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!

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... 

• 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.

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