Rennes Family Fun Expedition: 3 Days of Adventure!
Discover the enchantment of Rennes: Where family fun and French culture merge!
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Rennes, the vibrant capital city of Brittany, France, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and family-friendly activities. Explore the picturesque cobblestone streets of the Old Town, visit the stunning Rennes Cathedral, and wander through the enchanting Thabor Gardens. Unleash your inner adventurer by visiting the Parc de Maurepas, where kids can enjoy zip-lining, climbing, and other exciting outdoor activities.
Travel plan
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- Start your morning off right with a delicious croissant from one of the charming local bakeries.
- Explore the historic heart of the city in the Old Town, with its narrow medieval streets and picturesque squares.
- Don't miss the stunning Rennes Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that will leave you awestruck.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Thabor Park, a green oasis with vibrant flowers, fountains, and even a zoo!
- Enjoy a delightful dinner at Le Saint Georges, a cozy restaurant serving mouthwatering Breton cuisine.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene by visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, housing an impressive collection of art from various periods.
- Indulge in some retail therapy at Les Halles Martenot, a lively indoor market where you can find everything from fresh produce to local handicrafts.
- Experience the colorful and bustling atmosphere of the Saturday morning market at Place des Lices, a true feast for the senses.
- Step back in time and explore the intriguing ruins of the Gallo-Roman thermal baths, a testament to Rennes' rich history.
- Treat yourself to a scrumptious crepe at La Saint Georges, a charming creperie known for its inventive flavors and friendly staff.
- Embark on a relaxing boat trip along the Vilaine River to admire the picturesque landscape and charming riverside houses.
- Unleash your inner scientist at the Ecomusée du Pays de Rennes, a fascinating museum showcasing the region's rural heritage and sustainable practices.
- For a dose of adventure, head to Parc du Thabor and challenge your family to a game of mini-golf or rent bikes for an active exploration of the park.
- Discover the enchanting beauty of Château de Fougères, an imposing medieval fortress that will transport you back in time.
- Delight your taste buds with a delectable dinner at Bistrot L'Exception, a cozy bistro offering a modern twist on classic French cuisine.
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.