Rennes
As the gateway to Brittany, Rennes harmoniously blends historical heritage with natural spaces. Located just an hour from the sea, Rennes has become one of the most dynamic cities in France!
What you need to know about Rennes
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Flight time1h20
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Dialing code+33
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Spoken LanguageFrench
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CurrencyEuros
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Travel FormalitiesID or passport
Destination Rennes
As the gateway to Brittany, Rennes harmoniously blends historical heritage with natural spaces. Located just an hour from the sea, Rennes has become one of the most dynamic cities in France!
For a long time, people merely passed through Rennes on their way to the beaches of Finistère or Morbihan. Today, however, Rennes, the capital of Brittany, is finally getting its due. It regularly ranks among the top French cities to live in and is also a hit with tourists.
Unmissable in Rennes
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St Pierre Cathedral
St Pierre Cathedral - rebuilt in 1844 in a classical style, it houses a Roman high altar, an impressive pipe organ, remarkable paintings and vaults. ©Julien_Mignot
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Parliament of Brittany
Parliament of Brittany - designed in the 17th century by Salomon de Brosse, architect of the Luxembourg Palace (Senate) in Paris, it was beautifully restored after the 1994 fire. The paintings and gilding are stunning, especially the sculpted ceiling in the Grand Chamber.
©Franck_Hamon -
Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Fine Arts – hosting a cabinet of curiosities, archaeological collections and paintings, from the 14th century to the present day, including paintings from the 17th century French school and the Pont-Aven school.
©Julien Mignot
Discover Rennes
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Explore Rennes
During your stay in Rennes, you will quickly notice the numerous half-timbered houses (or *colombages*). In fact, Rennes boasts the largest concentration of these medieval and Renaissance-era homes in western France.
Another must-see is the *Parliament of Brittany*, the city's most famous monument, built in the 17th century in a classical style. Beautifully restored after the 1994 fire that destroyed its framework, the damage affected the locals as profoundly as the Notre-Dame fire did more recently.
In addition to drawing tourists, Rennes is also a magnet for students, making it one of the liveliest cities in France! You’ll find them, in particular, on *Rue Saint-Michel*. With a bar every seven meters, this legendary street holds the French record for the most drinking establishments per capita, earning its well-deserved nickname "Rue de la Soif" (Thirst Street).
Rennes: A Creative City
Another great reason to book a flight to Rennes? Its artistic side. Contemporary architects have left their mark on the city, like Jean Nouvel (who designed Montpellier’s Town Hall) with his *Cap Mail*, an elegant structure that stands near *Mail François-Mitterrand*, a newly renovated promenade with a Mediterranean flair since its makeover in 2015.
Street art also plays a big role in Rennes, with *War* (known as the "Banksy of Rennes") creating stunning murals, along with quirky *Mémé* stickers and *Oré*'s feathered serpents.
And nature is never far away. Rennes was named *Biodiversity Capital* in 2016 and ranks in the top 10 greenest cities in France, with 868 hectares of green spaces, representing 17% of its total area. Flower-filled parks and the banks of the *Vilaine River* offer peaceful spots to enjoy nature during your visit.
For those who prefer blue over green, the *ramparts of Saint-Malo*, the chic villas of *Dinard*, and the *Emerald Coast* beaches are just an hour away, perfect for refreshing seaside walks.
Book your flight to Rennes from Montpellier with Volotea today!
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Best places to visit in Rennes
Sites et monuments
- City Hall - built after a major fire in the town in 1720, it is topped by a clock tower reminiscent of the belfry destroyed by the flames. Its concave facade matches the convex facade of the Opera House opposite.
- Maison Ti-Koz - located in rue Saint-Guillaume, it is one of the oldest timber-framed houses in Rennes (1510), famous for its bright red façade adorned with statues.
- Saint-Georges swimming pool - inaugurated in 1925 and still in use, it is considered a masterpiece of art-deco, magnified by the mosaics of the artist Isidore Odorico.
- The streets of the city centre - lined with colourful timber-framed houses, the streets of Saint-Sauveur, la Psalette, Saint-Georges or Chapitre are sure to capture your heart.
- Place des Lices - surrounded by beautiful medieval houses, it once hosted chivalry tournaments. Every Saturday, it resounds with the banter of traders, in one of the largest street markets in France.
- Place Sainte Anne - the bustling heart of Rennes in the evening, it has been pedestrianised since 2020. With its bookshops by day and bistros by night, it just never sleeps!
Museums
- Les Champs Libres - designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc, this modern cultural centre houses the Musée de Bretagne (history of the region), L'Espace des Sciences (great for kids) and a Planetarium.
- Bintinas Ecomuseum - this former farm tells the story of Brittany's agricultural history, with an estate of cultivated land, a conservatory orchard and a herd of 19 hardy breeds.
- Brittany’s Regional Contemporary Art Fund (Frac) - the modern building by Odile Decq in the Beauregard district hosts contemporary art exhibitions.
Parks and natural spaces
- Le Thabor - this is the "Prince of gardens", 10 hectares in the town centre. It is a mixture of French and English style gardens, greenhouses, an aviary, an orangery...
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Unusual things to do in Rennes
- The towpath along the Rennes-Saint Malo canal for a breath of fresh air by bike, on protected cycle paths. The most daring will do the whole route in three days, i.e. about a hundred kilometres. On the way, take a look at the series of 11 locks at Hédé-Bazouges.
- Brush up on your grammar about forty kilometres from Rennes, in the small town of Bécherel, known as the city of books, with a range of events (book market, book festival, book night). The medieval streets are dotted with pretty granite houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
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Gastronomy in Rennes
Dishes
- Crêpes (pancakes made from wheat) and galettes (made from buckwheat) - With sugar or fillings, thick or thin, there’s something for everyone. For a little local colour, try a galette-saucisse, grilled sausage wrapped in a galette.
- Andouille - a classic Breton sausage. The most famous is from Guémené-sur-Scorff, in Morbihan, and must be smoked.
- Coucou de Rennes - farm poultry with streaked plumage and fleshy meat.
- Kig ha farz - a kind of Breton stew.
- Cotriade - the Breton version of bouillabaisse, with a mixture of fish cooked in a flavoured court-bouillon.
- Oysters - the most famous come from Cancale (an hour from Rennes) or the Gulf of Morbihan.
- Scallops - those from Erquy (Saint-Brieuc bay) are delicious!
- Bar - the name for sea bass from the Atlantic, appreciated for its very fine texture.
- Sardines - these have made the reputation of Douarnenez in Finistère.
- Artichokes and cauliflowers - both vegetables are widely grown in the region.
Desserts
- Fars - a baked dessert with fruit of which there are several variations. The best known recipe is the one with prunes.
- Kouign-aman - made with sugar and butter, this traditional cake is high in calories, but so delicious!
- Strawberries - the mild climate produces tasty strawberries, such as those from Plougastel.
Drinks*
- Cider - as in Normandy, it is found everywhere. There are many orchards around Rennes. Farmhouse or home-made, it is ideal to accompany crêpes.
- Chouchen - this alcoholic drink (12 to 15°) is made by fermenting honey with water and natural yeasts.
- Lambig: cider brandy (40°).
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation
Unmissable events in Rennes
- JanuaryInternational Magic Festival.
- FebuaryTravelling, a film festival on the theme of cities held since 1990.
- SpringMythos Festival, in Thabor Park. For 10 days: concerts, stories, tales, theatre and conferences.
- July-AugustTransat en ville, free cultural festival every day: concerts, entertainment, illuminations, night visits, open-air cinema...
- July-AugustThe Parliament Illuminations - Digital projections onto the building’s facade, at nightfall.
- DecemberRencontres Transmusicales - one of the best known music festivals (pop, rock, techno...) in France.
Did you know?
Rennes has many hidden courtyards, accessible only with guides who hold the keys. The courtyard of Psalette is one of the most remarkable, a real natural setting surrounded by half-timbered houses. To be discovered on visits organised by the tourist office.
Useful links for your trip to Rennes
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