Weekend Adventure: Rennes, France in 2 Days.
Discover the charm of Brittany's capital city, Rennes.
22 April 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
As a tourist, you can explore the historical sites, charming medieval streets, and the vibrant culture and nightlife of Rennes, France. Visit the iconic Parlement de Bretagne, Place des Lices for its Saturday morning market, and the Thabor Botanic Gardens to soak in the natural beauty of the city. Sample traditional Breton cuisine, hop on a bike tour, and attend a live music event to experience the best of Rennes.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check in to the Hôtel Mercure Rennes Centre Parlement, a chic and modern hotel in the heart of the city.
- Start your day with a croissant and coffee at La Belle Équipe, a charming café with a vintage vibe.
- Stroll through the Jardin du Thabor, a beautiful botanic garden filled with exotic plants, flowers and fountains.
- Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, a stunning art museum housed in an 18th-century palace, showcasing works by some of France's greatest artists.
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Place des Lices, a buzzing market square full of local vendors selling their wares.
- End your day by indulging in some delicious French cuisine at La Saint Georges, a cozy restaurant serving up traditional Breton fare.
- Head out to the seaside town of Saint-Malo, just a short train ride from Rennes, and explore the imposing fortress walls and charming old town.
- Visit the Château de Fougères, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, where you can step back in time and discover the rich history of Brittany.
- Take a short drive to the charming village of Dinan, perched on the banks of the river Rance, and wander through the cobbled streets lined with timber-framed houses.
- Learn about the region's famous embroidery traditions at the Museum of Lace and Embroidery in Pont-l'Abbé.
- Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk along the Canal d'Ille-et-Rance, a picturesque waterway that winds its way through the Breton countryside.
- Rennes is a vibrant and charming city with plenty to see and experience. Spend two days exploring its history, culture and cuisine, and you'll leave feeling like a true Breton.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Rennes, France by plane is to fly into Rennes-Saint-Jacques Airport, which is located just 7 km south of the city center. Major airlines like Air France and Ryanair offer direct flights to Rennes from different cities across Europe.
Car
If you choose to drive to Rennes, the best option is to take the A11 motorway from Paris, which will take you directly to Rennes in about 3 hours. You can also take the N24 national road from Nantes which will take around 2 hours to reach Rennes driving.
Train
If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a TGV (High-speed train) from Paris Montparnasse Station to Rennes Train Station. The journey takes around 1h30min and offers great views of the French countryside.
Boat
Although Rennes is not a coastal city, travelers can get to the city by boat. You can take a ferry from Plymouth or Portsmouth in England and arrive at Saint-Malo Port, which is about 75 km from Rennes. From there, you can take a bus or a train to reach Rennes.
Bus
The best way to reach Rennes by bus is to take the Flixbus which offers several daily connections from Paris to Rennes. The journey takes around 4 hours and the departure and arrival points are located in strategic points of the city.