Rennes

Travel Guide
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Michel Angot
Markets, museums, historical buildings and an interactive science center draw travelers to the center of this city in the serene Brittany countryside.

Rennes is the capital of the Brittany region in northwestern France. A large, spacious plaza in its center is surrounded by structures of great historical significance. Visit the many museums of art and history scattered around the city alongside parks, gardens and university buildings. The city hosts several annual music and film festivals.

Locate the Place des Lices in the town center. Due to its accessible and practical location, it is a popular meeting point for locals and travelers. Browse the market in the central square, which leads to Place Rallier-du-Baty. Majestic townhouses surround the plaza.

The Rennes Cathedral, which dates back to the sixth century, has a neoclassical design with two towers full of window displays and elegant decorations. Walk around the interior and gaze up at the elegant arched ceiling and columns on either side of the nave. It is also known as Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes.

Make your way to the 17th-century wonder, the Palais du Parlement de Bretagne, the last building to house Brittany’s old parliament. It now serves as the Courts of Appeal for the city of Rennes. The building’s grand design features a gray lower story, a white second floor and a roof decorated with gold spikes and statues.

Browse the vast archeological collection at the Musée de Bretagne from prehistoric to modern times. Discover the story of Alfred Dreyfus, a former army captain who was wrongly accused of a crime.

The museum shares a building with a grand library and the Espace des Sciences, a center that brings science to life with interactive exhibitions. Take the kids to Merlin’s Laboratory, where they can do their own experiments.

Uncover the fascinating history of Rennes before enjoying the picturesque Brittany countryside.

Where to stay in Rennes

Place des Lices showing a house

Rennes Centre

4/5(21 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Parliament of Brittany and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Rennes Centre. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Republique Station or Saint-Germain Station.

Rennes Centre
Default Image

Dinan - Saint-Malo

Dinan - Saint-Malo might not have many top sights, but Le Couvent des Jacobins and Place des Lices are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Dinan - Saint-Malo
Default Image

Italie

When in Italie and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Place de la Gare or Musee de Bretagne and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Italie Station or Henri Freville Station.

Italie

Sud-Gare

5/5(1 area review)

While you're strolling through Sud-Gare, you may want to check out the restaurants and historical sites. If you want to see more of the area, hop on the metro at Clemenceau Station or Jacques Cartier Station.

Sud-Gare
Thabor Botanic Gardens showing a park and flowers

Thabor - Saint-Hélier

Visitors to Thabor - Saint-Hélier like its bars and parks, and Thabor Botanic Gardens is a sight worth a stop.

Thabor - Saint-Hélier

Saint-Hélier

You might enjoy the restaurants on your visit to Saint-Hélier. Visitors recommend a visit to Place de la Gare, and you can get around town on the metro at Gares Station.

Saint-Hélier
Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
2 out of 5
35 rue d'Antrain, Rennes
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €61 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
€61
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Le Couvent des Jacobins and Thabor Botanic ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (550 reviews)
"I like a simple, clean, affordable and accessible place to stay. Adagio Rennes is all of these things. I particularly liked the location."

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2023

Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
Mama Shelter Rennes
Mama Shelter Rennes
4 out of 5
3 Place de la Trinite, Rennes, FRANCE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €120 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
€120
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 4 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Place des Lices and Rennes Cathedral are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (103 reviews)
Great hotel - would stay again
"Great hotel. Lots of amenities such as restaurants, bars, pool, gym and karaoke. Lovely well decorated, clean rooms with comfortable beds. Great safe and central location. Only minor negative (not worth any stars as you can read the reviews and prepare in advance) is not providing toiletries in the ..."

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2024

Mama Shelter Rennes
Le Nemours Rennes
Le Nemours Rennes
3 out of 5
5 rue de Nemours, Rennes
The price is €89 per night from 1 May to 2 May
€89
per night
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Popular attractions Halles Centrales and Rennes Opera House are located nearby. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (475 reviews)
"Excellent hotel, great breafast, many restaurants nearby Rennes is a delightful city."

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2024

Le Nemours Rennes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Odalys City Rennes Lorgeril
Odalys City Rennes Lorgeril
3 out of 5
2, rue Lorgeril, Rennes
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Palais du Parlement de Bretagne and Rennes Cathedral ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (366 reviews)
"Clean room, good parking location, but small. Nice staff"

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2023

Odalys City Rennes Lorgeril
Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
2 out of 5
35 rue d'Antrain, Rennes
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Le Couvent des Jacobins and Thabor Botanic ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (550 reviews)
"I like a simple, clean, affordable and accessible place to stay. Adagio Rennes is all of these things. I particularly liked the location."

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2023

Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
Appart'City Classic Rennes Beauregard
Appart'City Classic Rennes Beauregard
1, Rue Aurelie Nemours, Rennes, Ille-et-Vilaine
Stay at this business-friendly residence in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Le Couvent des Jacobins and Place des ...
7.6/10 Good! (387 reviews)
"Friendly helpful staff. Upgraded to larger room . Enjoyed my stay. Thank you"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2023

Appart'City Classic Rennes Beauregard
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Rennes

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
" "5 - Excellent 37.03703703703704%
4 - Good
11
" "4 - Good 40.74074074074074%
3 - Okay
5
" "3 - Okay 18.51851851851852%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 3.7037037037037037%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
12 Jul 2019

A very nice place.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
26 Jun 2019

beutiful place and quite city. I didnt get taxi to airport on weekend. Taxi service is very few, prepare well in time or pre book if you need a taxi.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
21 May 2019

Rennes can be seen in half a day, the only reason I would tell people to go here is to use it as a base to get to Mont St Michel - but once that's done, get out of there; there is seriously nothing to do especially on a Sunday when it closes!