last edited Jul 3, 2020
What to See in Rennes
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Location Map of Rennes
Rennes
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Overview
Sites, Monuments, and Architectural Ensembles
Saint-Pierre Cathedral
This beautiful cathedral, completed in the mid-19th century, is notable for its interior decoration.
This beautiful cathedral, completed in the mid-19th century, is notable for its interior decoration.
Historic Centre
Like many cities, Rennes has its historic centre with 15th-16th century half-timbered houses, grand townhouses, squares, and cobbled streets, some of which are lively, like Rue Saint-Michel, also known as Thirsty Street. You’ll also find iconic landmarks such as the Parliament of Brittany and the cathedral.
Like many cities, Rennes has its historic centre with 15th-16th century half-timbered houses, grand townhouses, squares, and cobbled streets, some of which are lively, like Rue Saint-Michel, also known as Thirsty Street. You’ll also find iconic landmarks such as the Parliament of Brittany and the cathedral.
Brittany Parliament Palace
Built in the 17th century, it was once one of the provincial parliaments of the Kingdom of France before later becoming a courthouse. Richly decorated, it can only be visited by prior reservation.
Built in the 17th century, it was once one of the provincial parliaments of the Kingdom of France before later becoming a courthouse. Richly decorated, it can only be visited by prior reservation.
Mordelaise Gate
This fortified tower (or gatehouse) was once part of the city’s defenses and served as its main entrance.
This fortified tower (or gatehouse) was once part of the city’s defenses and served as its main entrance.
Museums
Écomusée of the Rennes Area
Located in a former farm on the southern outskirts of the city, its aim is to showcase rural life and its evolution in the region since the 16th century. This agricultural space also houses several local animal species.
Located in a former farm on the southern outskirts of the city, its aim is to showcase rural life and its evolution in the region since the 16th century. This agricultural space also houses several local animal species.
Museum of Fine Arts
This is a rather eclectic museum, showcasing European paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 20th century, art objects from Europe, Africa, and the Americas, as well as regional, Roman, Greek, and Egyptian antiquities.
This is a rather eclectic museum, showcasing European paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 20th century, art objects from Europe, Africa, and the Americas, as well as regional, Roman, Greek, and Egyptian antiquities.
Brittany Museum
It is part of the "Champs Libres" cultural complex, which also houses the Rennes Science Centre. Through thousands of objects, it traces the history and heritage of the Rennes region from its origins.
It is part of the "Champs Libres" cultural complex, which also houses the Rennes Science Centre. Through thousands of objects, it traces the history and heritage of the Rennes region from its origins.
Parks and Gardens
Confluence Garden
It is located—as its name suggests—where the Vilaine and Ille rivers meet. This 2,600 m² space is a favorite among walkers.
It is located—as its name suggests—where the Vilaine and Ille rivers meet. This 2,600 m² space is a favorite among walkers.
Thabor Park
A blend of French and English gardens, a rose garden, and a major botanical garden with thousands of species, all spanning around ten hectares in the heart of the city. Thabor is part of the "most beautiful gardens of France".
A blend of French and English gardens, a rose garden, and a major botanical garden with thousands of species, all spanning around ten hectares in the heart of the city. Thabor is part of the "most beautiful gardens of France".
Baud Beaches
The site is along the Vilaine River. Opened in 2019 with its play areas and relaxation spaces (but no swimming), it is part of a larger ongoing project.
The site is along the Vilaine River. Opened in 2019 with its play areas and relaxation spaces (but no swimming), it is part of a larger ongoing project.
Saint-Martin Meadows
A 30-hectare green space near the city centre, along the Ille-et-Rance Canal. The area preserves large zones dedicated to wild fauna and flora.
A 30-hectare green space near the city centre, along the Ille-et-Rance Canal. The area preserves large zones dedicated to wild fauna and flora.
Nearby
Among the interesting sites to see around Rennes:
Combourg
The town of Chateaubriand features a beautiful 12th-century fortress (where the writer lived), along with other manor houses and a few old buildings.
The town of Chateaubriand features a beautiful 12th-century fortress (where the writer lived), along with other manor houses and a few old buildings.
Dinan
A beautiful medieval town with its ramparts, castle, and half-timbered houses. It is one of the prettiest towns in Brittany.
A beautiful medieval town with its ramparts, castle, and half-timbered houses. It is one of the prettiest towns in Brittany.
Brocéliande Forest
More precisely, the Paimpont Forest, which is generally associated with the famous mythical forest of the Middle Ages. In addition to several small castles and the "Paimpont forges," a visit to the forest revolves around various sites linked to the legend of King Arthur.
More precisely, the Paimpont Forest, which is generally associated with the famous mythical forest of the Middle Ages. In addition to several small castles and the "Paimpont forges," a visit to the forest revolves around various sites linked to the legend of King Arthur.
Fougères
This sub-prefecture is home to one of France’s most impressive medieval fortresses, along with a belfry and a charming medieval gate complete with a drawbridge.
This sub-prefecture is home to one of France’s most impressive medieval fortresses, along with a belfry and a charming medieval gate complete with a drawbridge.
Mont Saint-Michel
Perched on a rocky islet in the middle of its bay and dominated by its abbey, this is a unique place. Mont Saint-Michel is also one of France’s most visited sites, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Perched on a rocky islet in the middle of its bay and dominated by its abbey, this is a unique place. Mont Saint-Michel is also one of France’s most visited sites, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Saint-Malo
With its ramparts and magnificent walled city, the home of Surcouf and Jacques Cartier is one of the most visited places in the region. You can also enjoy its beaches.
With its ramparts and magnificent walled city, the home of Surcouf and Jacques Cartier is one of the most visited places in the region. You can also enjoy its beaches.
Saint-Suliac
This port village with typically Breton architecture is listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France". You can hike in the surrounding area.
This port village with typically Breton architecture is listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France". You can hike in the surrounding area.
Vitré
East of Rennes, Vitré boasts a well-preserved medieval heritage with its castle, ramparts, narrow streets, religious buildings, and old houses.
East of Rennes, Vitré boasts a well-preserved medieval heritage with its castle, ramparts, narrow streets, religious buildings, and old houses.
Additional Information
Must-see & highly recommended
Mont Saint-Michel
★★★★ Perched on a rocky islet in the middle of its bay and dominated by its abbey, this is a unique place. Mont Saint-Michel is also one of…
Saint-Malo
★★★★ With its ramparts and magnificent walled city, the home of Surcouf and Jacques Cartier is one of the most visited places in the region. You…
Recommended
Dinan
★★★ A beautiful medieval town with its ramparts, castle, and half-timbered houses. It is one of the prettiest towns in Brittany.
Worth a look / Other
Historic Centre (Rennes)
★★ Like many cities, Rennes has its historic centre with 15th-16th century half-timbered houses, grand townhouses, squares, and cobbled…
Combourg
★★ The town of Chateaubriand features a beautiful 12th-century fortress (where the writer lived), along with other manor houses and a few old…
Brocéliande Forest
★★ More precisely, the Paimpont Forest, which is generally associated with the famous mythical forest of the Middle Ages. In addition to…
Fougères
★★ This sub-prefecture is home to one of France’s most impressive medieval fortresses, along with a belfry and a charming medieval gate…
Brittany Museum (Rennes)
★★ It is part of the "Champs Libres" cultural complex, which also houses the Rennes Science Centre. Through thousands of objects, it traces…
Rennes Fine Arts Museum
★★ This is a rather eclectic museum, showcasing European paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 20th century, art objects from Europe…
Brittany Parliament Palace
★★ Built in the 17th century, it was once one of the provincial parliaments of the Kingdom of France before later becoming a courthouse…
Thabor Park
★★ A blend of French and English gardens, a rose garden, and a major botanical garden with thousands of species, all spanning around ten…
Saint-Suliac
★★ This port village with typically Breton architecture is listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France". You can hike in the…
Vitré
★★ East of Rennes, Vitré boasts a well-preserved medieval heritage with its castle, ramparts, narrow streets, religious buildings, and old…
Saint-Pierre Cathedral (Rennes)
★ This beautiful cathedral, completed in the mid-19th century, is notable for its interior decoration.
Écomusée of the Rennes Area
★ Located in a former farm on the southern outskirts of the city, its aim is to showcase rural life and its evolution in the region since the…
FRAC Brittany
★ This is the Regional Contemporary Art Fund. It houses around 5,000 works.
Confluence Garden
★ It is located—as its name suggests—where the Vilaine and Ille rivers meet. This 2,600 m² space is a favorite among walkers.
Baud Beaches
★ The site is along the Vilaine River. Opened in 2019 with its play areas and relaxation spaces (but no swimming), it is part of a larger…
Mordelaise Gate
★ This fortified tower (or gatehouse) was once part of the city’s defenses and served as its main entrance.
Saint-Martin Meadows
★ A 30-hectare green space near the city centre, along the Ille-et-Rance Canal. The area preserves large zones dedicated to wild fauna and…