Things to do in Rennes

Things to do in  Rennes

Historic heart, student minds

Part medieval powerhouse and part buzzing student city, Brittany's capital is as renowned for its rich heritage as its lively nightlife. A warren of cobbled lanes and timber-framed buildings mark the remainder of Rennes' historic quarter—mostly destroyed by a 1720 fire—and walking tours reveal highlights such as the Breton parliament building and the Thabor gardens. Rennes' thriving cultural scene also serves up enough art museums, festivals, and bars to keep travelers entertained, but a day trip to the nearby Mont St. Michel is easily one of the best things to do in Rennes.

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Top 2 attractions in Rennes

#1

Saint-Malo

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One of Brittany’s most striking port cities, Saint-Malo is known for its walled fortifications, idyllic beaches, and rich gastronomy. The ancient city’s turbulent past includes a legacy of piracy and devastating bombing in World War II. But today, this glittering, seaside gem is best known as a relaxing vacation destination.More
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#2

Brittany (Bretagne)

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Brittany (Bretagne) is the westernmost region in France, a peninsula on the northwest coast that stretches out into the Atlantic. Home to destinations such as Rennes, which has a thriving student community; Brest, an off-the-beaten-path city; and the walled former island of Saint-Malo, Brittany is rich in history, naturally beautiful, and too often overlooked in favor of Paris and the French Riviera.More
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Explore Rennes by interest

Top activities in Rennes

Day Trip with a local driver Mont Saint-Michel from Saint-Malo - 6 hours

Day Trip with a local driver Mont Saint-Michel from Saint-Malo - 6 hours

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3
From
$1,052.99
per group
Day Trip Mont-Saint-Michel with a local driver from Rennes - 6 hours

Day Trip Mont-Saint-Michel with a local driver from Rennes - 6 hours

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3
From
$756.84
per group
Private Tour: Full Day Tour of Mont Saint-Michel from St Malo

Private Tour: Full Day Tour of Mont Saint-Michel from St Malo

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3
From
$1,316.24
per group
Day Trip Mont Saint-Michel, Cancale & Dinan from Saint-Malo - 10 hours

Day Trip Mont Saint-Michel, Cancale & Dinan from Saint-Malo - 10 hours

From
$1,414.96
per group
Day Trip with a local driver Mont Saint-Michel & Saint-Malo from Rennes 8h

Day Trip with a local driver Mont Saint-Michel & Saint-Malo from Rennes 8h

From
$932.34
per group
Chauffered driven car for one or several days (Rent minimum of 8 hours with a maximum of 25 kms per hour) Предоставление автомобиля с водителем

Chauffered driven car for one or several days (Rent minimum of 8 hours with a maximum of 25 kms per hour) Предоставление автомобиля с водителем

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1
From
$707.26
per group
Day Trip with a local driver Mont Saint-Michel & Cancale from Saint-Malo - 7 h

Day Trip with a local driver Mont Saint-Michel & Cancale from Saint-Malo - 7 h

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1
From
$1,042.02
per group
Day Trip with a local driver Dinan & Cancale from Saint-Malo - 7 hours

Day Trip with a local driver Dinan & Cancale from Saint-Malo - 7 hours

From
$1,042.02
per group
Private Transfer from Rennes Airport to Rennes City - Up to 7 People

Private Transfer from Rennes Airport to Rennes City - Up to 7 People

From
$131.62
per group
Day Trip with a local driver Dinan, Cancale, Saint-Malo from Rennes - 9 hours

Day Trip with a local driver Dinan, Cancale, Saint-Malo from Rennes - 9 hours

From
$910.12
per group
One day stroll in the small towns of character of Ile et Nilaine

One day stroll in the small towns of character of Ile et Nilaine

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1
From
$877.49
per group
Private Transfer from Saint-Malo to Bayeux - Up to 7 People

Private Transfer from Saint-Malo to Bayeux - Up to 7 People

From
$669.09
per group
Aquajogging at sea

Aquajogging at sea

From
$16.45
Day Trip with a local driver Mont Saint-Michel & Cancale from Rennes - 8 h

Day Trip with a local driver Mont Saint-Michel & Cancale from Rennes - 8 h

From
$932.34
per group
Private Tour of St Malo Cancale Cap Frehel and Dinan from St Malo

Private Tour of St Malo Cancale Cap Frehel and Dinan from St Malo

From
$1,316.24
per group
Journey to Cairo and Luxor for 5 Days and 4 Nights

Journey to Cairo and Luxor for 5 Days and 4 Nights

From
$700.00
Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches
Special Offer

Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches

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84
From
$20.00
$25.00  $5.00 savings
Private 2-hour Walking Tour of Saint Malo with private official tour guide

Private 2-hour Walking Tour of Saint Malo with private official tour guide

From
$208.40
Saint-Malo: 2-Hour Private Walking Tour & Commentary

Saint-Malo: 2-Hour Private Walking Tour & Commentary

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3
From
$218.82
Egypt Highlights Holiday Tour Package To Cairo & Luxor

Egypt Highlights Holiday Tour Package To Cairo & Luxor

From
$595.00
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All about Rennes

When to visit

With such a large student population, it’s not surprising that Rennes has a lively festival agenda. Mythos (early April) is one of the best, and it’s also refreshing to have such a large festival before the season has kicked off elsewhere. Lasting for 10 days, the main focus at Mythos is music, but there’s also plenty of live theater, great food trucks, and tents—this is France, after all.

Getting around

In the historical old center, take the time to flâne (wander in an unhurried and aimless way). Make sure that you stop at one of the city’s excellent crêperies. On Saturdays, don’t miss the open-air food and flower market, Marché des Lices, where crêpes and galettes are on sale, too. Rennes has a reliable Metro network. There’s just two lines, but in a city of this size, these link most of the main attractions.

Traveler tips

Rennes is a green city, but if you’re craving nature, head to Parc des Gayeulles, a vast, peri-urban park with plenty of trails for running. There’s a small farm, a skate park, an ice rink, and a herd of deer living in the woods. City farm Ecomusée de la Bintinais is another great way to connect with nature and discover traditional Breton farming methods. Meet cow herders, pet horses, and hold baby lambs there.

Attractions
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Tours
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Reviews
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People Also Ask

Is Rennes worth visiting?

Yes, Rennes is worth visiting, even if only to eat the region’s culinary specialties—try crepes, galettes, and cider for starters. The capital of Brittany and a university town, Rennes buzzes year-round with a mix of past and present. It’s where slanting, half-timber houses rub shoulders with towering, glass-fronted modern buildings.

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What is Rennes known for?

Like many places in France, Rennes is famous for history and art. The city dates back to Roman times, and that history is visible in the varied façades of the buildings. Art lovers are spoiled in Rennes, with the Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts a highlight.

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Why should I go to Rennes?

You’ll want to marvel at the old town’s half-timber buildings, which drunkenly slant to one side with beams that resemble cross-stitching patterns. The other reason to visit Rennes is for the food. Buckwheat galettes are a mainstay, and being the capital of Brittany, the seafood here is a standout.

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Why should I visit Rennes?

Visit Rennes to immerse yourself in French life. The city is gorgeous, but it’s not created for tourists. It’s lived in, and you’ll find everyone from students to the elderly populating the town. It’s greener than Paris, with many urban parks, and some of the country’s best food markets.

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What is there to do in Rennes at night?

There’s lots to do in Rennes at night. The university city has many bars, particularly along the river banks. Rennes is also good for live music. La Basse Cour, on an old farm, offers an eclectic mix of activities, from daytime baklava-making classes to intimate nighttime concerts.

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Does Rennes have a beach?

No, although Rennes is the capital of Brittany, it’s not by the sea. But you can reach some of the best beaches in the country easily. The walled port town of Saint-Malo is an hour by train, and Dinard, across the estuary from Saint-Malo, is a favorite celebrity seaside resort.

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