Rennes in 4: A Budget-Friendly Adventure

Discovering the charm of Rennes without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Explore the charming city of Rennes in France on a limited budget. Wander around the historic Old Town, marvel at the stunning architecture, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the place. Plan your stay in wallet-friendly accommodations and indulge in delectable local cuisine at affordable prices.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into the affordable and comfy Ibis Budget Rennes Centre hotel
  • Grab a coffee and croissant at Boulangerie Terre de Pain, a local favourite
  • Explore the historic city centre and its beautiful architecture, such as the Parliament of Brittany and the Cathedral Saint-Pierre
  • Visit the colourful and lively Marché des Lices, a bustling street market full of fresh produce, flowers and artisanal crafts
  • Enjoy a traditional Breton dinner at La Taverne de la Marine, known for their delicious galettes and cider
Day 2

Museums and Gardens

  • Start the day with a pain au chocolat from Maison Beillevaire, a famous cheese and dairy shop in the city
  • Visit the Musée de Bretagne and learn about the history and culture of Brittany
  • Take a peaceful stroll in the Thabor Gardens, an oasis of greenery and flowers in the heart of the city
  • Visit the Fine Arts Museum and admire the impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts
  • Grab a quick lunch at the hip La Criée, a seafood bar with fresh and tasty dishes
Day 3

Day Trip to Mont Saint-Michel

  • Hop on a train to Pontorson, where a shuttle bus will take you to the magnificent Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Explore the medieval abbey and the charming village on the island
  • Enjoy some seafood in one of the many restaurants with stunning views of the bay
  • Take a walk along the ramparts and enjoy the breathtaking panorama
  • Catch the last shuttle bus back to Pontorson and head back to Rennes for a good night's sleep
Day 4

Local Experiences

  • Grab a coffee and a pastry at Le Châteaubriant, a cosy café in a charming neighbourhood
  • Take a cooking class at Atelier Gourmandise and learn how to make traditional Breton dishes like crêpes and kouign-amann
  • Visit the Jardin du Thabor’s aviary and say hello to exotic birds and lemurs
  • Go on a guided tour of Rennes' street art scene and discover some hidden gems
  • End the day with a farewell dinner at the friendly and authentic La Belle Equipe, famous for their raclette and fondue specials.

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.

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