Summary
Rennes consistently ranks highly in surveys of France’s most livable cities, which is unsurprising given its abundant green spaces, meticulous preservation of historical sites, and the benefits of a metropolitan environment condensed into a pedestrian-friendly area.
The old center boasts 90 historic monuments, where impressive 18th-century mansions coexist alongside medieval timber-framed buildings.
Moreover, the youthful atmosphere of Rennes is evident, as over a quarter of its 207,000 inhabitants are students.
The city features a vibrant nightlife, outstanding cultural institutions, and one of France’s premier weekly markets held in the Place des Lices every Saturday morning.
Let us explore the top attractions in Rennes:
1. Old Rennes
Rennes was nearly entirely destroyed by a devastating fire in 1720, which accounts for the large number of dignified 18th-century homes throughout the city.
However, adjacent to the cathedral lies a labyrinth of streets where half-timbered houses remain intact.
Rue de la Psalette and Rue du Chapitre feature charmingly warped corbelled houses that extend over the quaint cobblestone lanes.
Take a moment to admire the centuries-old carvings adorning their timbers.
Notably, Rue du Chapitre is home to Hôtel de Blossac, constructed in 1728, which stands as one of the most exquisite neoclassical residences established post-fire.
These buildings now serve as private residences, yet visitors can access the courtyard to appreciate the grandeur of the mansion.
2. Parc du Thabor
Situated on the city’s highest hill, Parc du Thabor encompasses ten hectares of exquisitely cultivated gardens.
For those needing persuasion, envision the rose gardens in summer, showcasing over 2,000 species blooming annually.
Prior to the Revolution, this garden was part of the Abbey of Sainte-Melanie, located just beyond the city walls, and was tended by the monks.
In the 19th century, master gardener Eugène Bühler designed the landscape, introducing French parterre and English gardens.
Maintaining the park’s numerous flowerbeds is a considerable task: In two five-week spans each year, approximately 60,000 plants are replanted by the dedicated gardening team.
3. Palais du Parlement de Bretagne
Following the Union of Brittany and France in 1532, Rennes’ significance escalated rapidly, becoming the residence of one of France’s 17 regional governments.
This newfound prestige attracted the aristocracy, imbuing the city with elegant mansions and a stately atmosphere that remains today.
The Palais du Parlement construction commenced in 1618 but was not completed for another century.
Despite experiencing a fire in 1994, the interior remains richly embellished: The Grand’Chambre sustained no damage and features a lavish hall adorned with a gilded coffered ceiling, which was imported from Paris workshops via timber raft in the 1650s.
4. Musée des Beaux-Arts
Similar to many regional museums in France, Rennes’ Musée des Beaux-Arts was inaugurated shortly after the Revolution, featuring pieces seized from religious institutions and noble estates in the vicinity.
Among these collections is the 18th-century historian Christophe-Paul de Robien’s exquisite anthology, which includes remarkable Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman artifacts, still displayed today.
Art galleries in the museum cover a timeline from the 1300s to contemporary works, with a focus on 17th-century Baroque art.
Visitors can view notable pieces by Georges de la Tour, Maarten van Heemskerck, and Rubens, or leap forward to the late 19th century with representations from Sisley, Boudin, and Gauguin.
Additionally, the collection includes an extensive array of drawings by renowned masters such as Donatello, Albrecht Dürer, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Leonardo da Vinci.
5. Écomusée du Pays de Rennes
Located on the southern outskirts of the city, this preserved historical farm showcases five centuries of Breton agricultural heritage.
The site features typical arable crops, fruit orchards, a kitchen garden, beehives, and various livestock.
This livestock is exclusively from Breton breeds, including Froment du Léon and Bretonne Pie Noir cattle.
The historic farmhouse, dating back to 1500, presents exhibits distributed across three levels.
The tour narrates the evolution of farming practices in the region through displays, historical machinery, interactive activities, and documentary films.
6. Parc des Gayeulles
Spanning a significant area in northeastern Rennes, Parc des Gayeulles provides an easy access to nature without venturing beyond the N136 ring road.
For running enthusiasts, this expansive green space, comprising extensive fields and woodlands, is an ideal location to maintain your fitness routine while in the city.
A variety of facilities are available, including campsites, an indoor skating rink, a zoo featuring cows, donkeys, and horses, as well as five lakes—one of which offers pedal boats and a bar-restaurant along the shore.
7. Les Champs Libres
This contemporary cultural center located in the heart of Rennes took 13 years to construct, from 1993 to 2006, and was designed by architect Christian Portzamparc.
This ambitious project integrates the Museum of Brittany with the city’s newly established library and science center, appealing to enthusiasts of urban development.
It is fascinating to observe how the three components interact and create an exhibition space on the ground floor.
The Brittany Museum merits a visit, while the Science Centre captivates with a planetarium accommodating 96 people, featuring a 14-meter-wide screen.
8. Marché des Lices
Rennes boasts a remarkable array of markets, totaling 20 in all.
However, the most significant market occurs in Place des Lices every Saturday morning.
This market has been a hallmark of Rennes since 1622 and stands as the third-largest in the nation, featuring 300 producers, merchants, and artisans.
For visitors considering a weekend picnic or staying in a rental, shopping here is highly recommended.
Within the covered Halles Martenot are 40 butchers, while outside, vendors offer flowers, baked goods, cheeses, and local artisanal delicacies.
This is also where one can find traditional Breton snacks, such as galette-saucisse, a sausage enveloped in a buckwheat crêpe, best enjoyed with local cider.
9. Rennes Cathedral
The city’s cathedral, characterized by its unadorned neoclassical facade, may not be the most architecturally stunning in France, yet it possesses a compelling history.
Having served as the site of the city’s cathedral since the 500s, the structure constructed in the 1100s suffered progressive collapses from 1490 to 1754, eventually leading to the decision to demolish most of it and commence anew.
Currently, the interior is a brilliant display of gilding and frescoes, enveloping every surface within the church, including the elongated cylindrical vault of the nave.
The Grand Organ dates back to 1874, crafted by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, an eminent French organ builder of the 19th century.
10. Opéra de Rennes
The city’s opera house stands splendidly in Place de la Mairie, directly facing Rennes’ equally impressive 18th-century baroque city hall.
Originally built in 1836, the opera is classified as a French “monument historique,” with the hall adorned in the early 20th century by the talented painter Jean-Julian Lemordant, who lost his sight during World War I.
For those interested in attending a performance, advance planning is advisable, as the opera consistently enjoys near-full attendance.
Additionally, the opera engages new audiences through open days that allow visitors to observe rehearsals and participate in workshops.
Guided tours are also offered on designated heritage days, occurring twice yearly.
11. Parc Oberthür
This additional green haven in the heart of Rennes was originally a private park established in the 18th century for François-Charles Oberthür, the founder of the Oberthür printing house.
Covering more than three hectares, it is remarkable that it remained privately owned until 1960. The park features woodlands with sequoias, cedars, beeches, oaks, and linden trees, along with meticulously maintained lawns bordered by paths.
A significant ornamental pond houses ducks, turtles, and carp.
12. Porte Mordelaise
Rennes’ city walls were dismantled gradually from the 1600s to the 1800s; nonetheless, several intriguing remnants remain to be discovered.
The most notable of these is Porte Mordelaise, a 15th-century gatehouse featuring a barbican and remnants of a drawbridge.
This gate served as the primary entrance to the city and was the starting point for ceremonial parades.
Above the archway, the coat of arms of the Dukes of Montfort, who governed Brittany from the mid-14th century until the early 16th century, is prominently displayed.
13. Musée de Bretagne
Located within the Champs Libres, this regional museum encapsulates Brittany’s extensive human history and commemorated its 40th anniversary in 2016. The archaeological collections are considerably older, having been expanded from a foundational set of items collected by Christophe-Paul de Robien in the 1700s.
Currently, the museum’s collection exceeds 300,000 items, showcasing an intricately rich assortment of coins, totaling 35,000. Among the most informative pieces are those minted by the medieval Duchy of Brittany.
The remainder of the museum’s exhibits is diversely engaging, featuring an Iron Age statue, medieval manuscripts, and even bicycles used by Nazi paratroopers, all contributing to a deeper understanding of the region’s complex history.
14. Chapelle Saint-Yves
For those interested in exploring Rennes’ unique past, a visit to Chapelle Saint-Yves, a 15th-century hospice chapel serving the city’s impoverished following the Breton War of Succession, is recommended.
Currently functioning as Rennes’ Tourist Office, visitors can obtain various maps and guides here.
Additionally, the old nave features a permanent exhibition titled “Rennes, Ville d’Art et d’Histoire,” which documents the city’s remarkable monuments through historical sketches, photographs, and models, offering intriguing insights that may have been overlooked during your exploration.
15. Day Trips
There are numerous options for inspiring day trips during your stay in Rennes.
Mont Saint-Michel is widely recognized as one of France’s iconic heritage sites.
This medieval marvel can be reached in under an hour.
Additional nearby destinations include the port of Saint-Malo, renowned for its historical pirate connections, still encircled by fortified walls.
Alternatively, inland, La Roche-aux-Fées can be easily visited by car. This fascinating Neolithic site features a passage grave aligned perfectly with the winter solstice sunrise.
