Things to Do in Rennes

Rennes packs an impressive number of attractions into its compact medieval centre, from a 17th-century parliament building to one of France’s finest public parks. The city is the historic capital of Brittany, and that Breton identity runs through its food, its half-timbered architecture, and its vibrant cultural calendar. Most of the top sights are within a 15-minute walk of each other in the historic centre, making Rennes an easy city to explore on foot. Here are the best things to do in Rennes, organised by category. Rennes weather by month

Historic Landmarks and Architecture in Rennes

Parlement de Bretagne

The Parlement de Bretagne is Rennes’ most important historic building, constructed between 1618 and 1655. It housed the Breton parliament until the French Revolution and now serves as the Court of Appeal. The building survived a devastating fire in 1994 that destroyed much of the interior; the restoration took five years and cost 53 million euros. Guided tours in French run several times daily (Tuesday through Friday), and you need to book in advance via the Tourist Office on Rue Saint-Yves. The Grand Chambre on the ground floor is the highlight, with its gilded ceiling, 17th-century tapestries, and coffered woodwork. Tours cost 7.20 euros for adults, 4.60 euros reduced. Plan about 75 minutes for the full tour. The building is at Place du Parlement-de-Bretagne, a 5-minute walk from Republique metro station. For a full overview, see our Rennes travel guide.

Portes Mordelaises

The Portes Mordelaises are the last remaining medieval city gates of Rennes, dating from the 15th century with foundations going back to the 3rd-century Roman wall. This was the main entry point for the Dukes of Brittany, who would swear an oath to defend the city’s liberties before passing through. The double gate with its two towers and drawbridge makes for one of the best photo spots in the old town. There is no admission fee, and you can walk through the gates at any time. The gates are at the western end of Rue Nantaise, a 7-minute walk from Place des Lices. The surrounding streets have some of the oldest half-timbered houses in Rennes. best time to visit Rennes

Rennes Cathedral (Saint-Pierre)

The Cathedrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes stands at the heart of the old town on the site of a 6th-century church. The current neoclassical building was completed in 1845 after the previous Gothic cathedral partially collapsed. The interior is surprisingly grand with a 48-metre-long nave, marble altars, and a 19th-century organ with 67 stops. The painted vault above the choir is particularly striking. Entry is free and the cathedral is open daily from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (closes at 5:00 pm in winter). The cathedral is at Rue de la Monnaie, a 2-minute walk from Republique metro station. Spend about 20 to 30 minutes here. Rennes events and festivals

Place des Lices and Les Halles Martenot

Place des Lices is a large medieval square that hosts one of France’s biggest weekly markets every Saturday morning. The market runs from about 7:30 am to 1:30 pm and fills the square with over 200 vendors selling produce, cheese, seafood, crepes, flowers, and clothing. Even on non-market days, the square is worth visiting for its 17th-century timber-framed buildings and the two covered market halls (Halles Martenot) designed by Jean-Baptiste Martenot in the 19th century. The halls house permanent food vendors Tuesday through Sunday. Grab a galette-saucisse (a Breton sausage wrapped in a buckwheat crepe) from a market stall for about 3 euros; it is the definitive Rennes street food. best neighborhoods in Rennes

Parks and Outdoor Spaces in Rennes

Parc du Thabor

The Parc du Thabor is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful urban parks in France. Spread over 10 hectares just east of the city centre, it combines a French formal garden with geometric flowerbeds and manicured lawns, an English-style landscaped garden with winding paths and a waterfall, and a large rose garden with over 2,000 varieties. The orangerie and aviary add to the park’s appeal, and the hilltop bandstand hosts free concerts during Les Mercredis du Thabor (Wednesday evenings in June and July). Entry is free and the park is open daily from 8:00 am; closing times vary seasonally (8:30 pm in summer, 6:00 pm in winter). Allow at least an hour to explore properly. The main entrance is at Place Saint-Melaine, a 10-minute walk from the city centre. where to stay in Rennes

Canal Saint-Martin and the Vilaine River

The Vilaine River runs through the centre of Rennes, and the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance connects it to the English Channel. A paved path follows the waterway, making for a pleasant 3-kilometre walk or cycle from the city centre to the lock at Saint-Gregoire. You will pass houseboats, weeping willows, and several locks along the way. The path is flat and suitable for all fitness levels. LE velo STAR bike-share stations are available along the route; a day pass costs 1.50 euros. The section near the city centre has several waterside bars and restaurants that open in summer. Rennes travel tips and FAQ

Museums and Culture in Rennes

Les Champs Libres

Les Champs Libres is Rennes’ major cultural complex, combining the city library, the Museum of Brittany (Musee de Bretagne), and the Espace des Sciences with its planetarium. The Museum of Brittany covers the region’s history from prehistory to the present day, including strong exhibits on the Dreyfus Affair (the second trial was held in Rennes in 1899). The science centre has interactive exhibits and a planetarium with regular shows (7.50 euros extra for the planetarium). Entry to the museum costs 6 euros (4 euros reduced), and the combined museum and planetarium ticket is 10 euros. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm, weekends 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Closed Mondays. The complex is directly connected to Gares metro station and faces the train station on the south side. Plan for 2 to 3 hours.

Musee des Beaux-Arts

The Musee des Beaux-Arts de Rennes holds one of the finest art collections in western France, housed in a former university palace built in 1847. The collection spans from the 14th to the 21st century, with particular strengths in 17th-century French and Italian painting, the Pont-Aven School of Breton painters (including works by Gauguin and Emile Bernard), and contemporary art. Georges de La Tour’s The Newborn Child and works by Veronese, Rubens, and Picasso are among the highlights. Admission is 6 euros (4 euros reduced), free on the first Sunday of each month. Open Tuesday to Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, weekends 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed Mondays. The museum is on Quai Emile Zola, a 5-minute walk from Republique metro station. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Couvent des Jacobins

The Couvent des Jacobins is a beautifully restored 14th-century Dominican convent that now serves as Rennes’ main convention centre. When not hosting conferences, the building is open to visitors who can admire the soaring Gothic architecture of the nave and the modern interventions by architect Jean Guervilly that added a glass roof and mezzanine levels. The contrast between the medieval stonework and contemporary design makes it a striking space. Free entry when open to the public; check the schedule at the entrance on Rue de Saint-Malo. The convent is a 3-minute walk from Place Sainte-Anne, the heart of Rennes’ bar and restaurant district.

Day Trips from Rennes

Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is a walled port city on the Channel coast, 45 minutes from Rennes by TER train (roughly 15 euros one-way). The granite ramparts encircle a medieval old town rebuilt after World War II destruction, with cobbled streets, seafood restaurants, and views across the emerald sea to offshore forts. Walk the full circuit of the ramparts in about an hour, then explore the castle and cathedral. The beach at Plage de Bon-Secours has a seawater swimming pool. Trains run roughly every 30 to 60 minutes from Rennes station; the last return is around 9:00 pm.

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most visited monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island abbey rises dramatically from a vast tidal bay about 70 kilometres northeast of Rennes. You can reach it by car in about an hour via the A84 motorway, or by taking a Keolis bus from Rennes station (1 hour 15 minutes, roughly 15 euros one-way, 2 to 3 departures daily). Once there, walk the narrow main street to the abbey at the top (300 steps), tour the cloister and refectory, and check tide times if you want to see the bay flooded. Abbey entry costs 11 euros. Plan a full day for this trip.