It is one of the richest cities in architecture and urban cultural heritage. In Rennes, industry meets art and culture is associated with innovations in the digital age. Moreovoer, it is a campus that every young person would like to feel its aura and atmosphere.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +33
Nearest airports from city center: Rennes Airport (6km), Saint-Malo Airport (80km), Pleurtuit Saint-Servan Airport (82km) and Nantes Atlantique Airport (116km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** MUSEE DES BEAUX-ARTS DE RENNES (20 Quai Emile Zola, 35000, Rennes)
It has collections of European paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 20th century. You will see up close exhibits that come not only from Europe, but also from Africa and America. Also, emphasize the exhibits that have influences from Roman, Greek and Egyptian antiquity.
*** LES CHAMPS LIBRES (10 Cr des Alliés, 35000 Rennes)
Les Champs Libres is a cultural center. There you will visit the Library, the Museum of Brittany, the Espace des science and the Cantine numérique rennaise. You will need many hours to see them all. But it is worth it. It is impressive!
*** CATHEDRAL SAINT-PIERRE DE RENNES (Rue de la Monnaie, 35000 Rennes).
Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Rennes is a striking and unique example of a Roman basilica in Brittany. There you will see, among other things, the new treasury, in which the crown is an exceptional 16th century altar from Antwerp that has just been renovated.
* PALAIS SAINT-GEORGES ( 2 Rue Gambetta, 35000 Rennes)
It is the only palace left from the abbey of the Benedictines. It was built in 1670 and currently houses the offices of the City Council. Watch under the roof, where you will admire an arched pediment, the royal crown and representations of Justice and Peace.
*** THE PARLIAMENT OF BRITTANY (16 Rue Salomon de Brosse, 35000 Rennes)
From the moment you are in Rennes, you should definitely see the great 17th century architectural work, which is the most important cultural heritage building and one of the most powerful symbols in the history of Brittany. You can visit it, even having a guide. It is the seat of the regional court of appeal.
*** SAINT-GERMAIN CHURCH (Rue du Vau Saint-Germain, 35000 Rennes)
It was rebuilt from the 1450s in Gothic style. In 1610 the church was expanded with the reconstruction of the south cross. Βell tower was originally the bell tower of the garrison of Rennes and after almost 100 years was ceded to the parish (1651).
*** MORDELA PORDEGO (6 Rue des Portes Mordelaises, 35000 Rennes)
This is one of the most historic places in the city. See the entrance gate which is the symbol of the history of the Dukes of Brittany and the fortifications of Rennes are a World Heritage Site.
*** PARC DU THABOR (Pl. Saint-Mélaine, 35000 Rennes)
Romance in all its glory. It is one of the most beautiful gardens in France with an area of 10 acres with caves, poultry farms and over 2,000 varieties of roses. Your eye will be full of green. It was designed in the 19th century and is the former garden of the monks of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Melaine.
*** SAINT-MELAINE CHURCH (Place Saint-Melaine, 35000 Rennes)
Visit the monastery with the beautiful sculptural decoration and the church of the monastery which has elements from the Romanesque era. They are the only ones that exist from the former abbey of the Benedictines.
*** BASILIQUE SAINT-SAUVEUR DE RENNES (1 Rue Saint-Sauveur, 35000 Rennes)
If you are in the historic center of the city, then you should visit it. It is a small basilica of the Roman Catholic Church, known as the Virgin of Miracles and Virtues. Its construction began in 1703 and was completed in 1768.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** It is worth taking a walk in the Parc des Gayeulles and you will remember for a lifetime the pictures you will see.
*** Park Hamelin Oberthur! Another place that you have to visit. It’s amazing. We also recommend the parc de Maurepas to relax.
*** Bréquigny Park! Of course, this park should also be one of your basic choices.
*** Canal d’Ille-et-Rance! Canal d’Ille-et-Rance! It is worth visiting and of course having with you a camera or many available GB in your mobile. We are sure you will take dozens of photos.
FOOD AND DRINK
We have one thing to tell you. Rennes is the city that has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in Brittany! You will find seafood and fish restaurants. You will find restaurants with amazingly cooked meats. Do not forget to try the local crepes and biscuits that are the specialty of the city. Try the local beers and they will be unforgettable. If you want to feel like a resident of Rennes, then you should definitely eat galette-saucisse, which is a hot sausage wrapped in cake. You can find also and a lot of Irish Pubs.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find cheap and expensive hotels in the city center. However, we would suggest that you stay close to the train station.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Rennes Opera House! If you are a fan of classical music, be sure to book a ticket to enjoy a concert
*** Plage d’Apigné! Visit the beach and swim in the sea.
*** Plage de Vern-sur-Seiche! Another beach for the swimming’s lovers.
*** If you like hiking, walk in Brocéliande forest.
*** Visit Rennes Alma or La Visitation for shopping. It’s amazing!
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is by bike, on foot, by bus, or by metro
CITIES NEAR TO RENNES
Major cities close to Rennes are Nantes (101km), Angers (136km), Le Mans (160km), Brest (240km) and Paris (309km).
