5-Day Escape to Enchanting Rennes, France
Discover the charm of Brittany in Rennes, France.
22 April 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
As a tourist in Rennes, one can expect to experience an enchanting blend of history, culture, and modernity. The city's striking architecture, museums, and gardens offer a glimpse into its fascinating past, while its vibrant cafes, restaurants, and nightlife reflect its youthful and dynamic present. From wandering the medieval streets to experiencing the famous Breton cuisine, a trip to Rennes is a delightful experience for any traveler.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check-in to the charming Hotel de Nemours and freshen up.
- Head to Rennes Cathedral to marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture.
- Explore the Place des Lices market and sample some delicious local delicacies.
- Take a stroll around Parc du Thabor, a stunning botanical garden with an impressive French-style park.
- Enjoy a delectable dinner at La Belle Équipe and try the mouthwatering Le Fregate au Parme ham.
- Start the day with a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of the largest fine arts museums in France.
- Wander around the Sainte-Anne neighbourhood, known for its historic buildings and charming streets.
- Visit the Musée de Bretagne to learn about the history and culture of the region.
- Admire the stunning Fougeres Castle, a medieval fortress just 30 minutes by train from Rennes.
- End the day with dinner at Le Carré, a cozy restaurant with excellent French cuisine.
- Spend the morning shopping at Rue le Bastard and Rue du Champ-Jacquet, two of the city's best shopping streets.
- Check out the contemporary art exhibitions at the FRAC Bretagne.
- Visit the beautiful Opera of Rennes, with its impressive Italian-style auditorium and neoclassical architecture.
- Walk along the Vilaine River and enjoy the beautiful scenery and street art.
- Have a relaxing evening at Le Coq Gadby, a luxurious spa and restaurant in a 19th-century mansion.
- Take a day trip to the charming town of Dinan and explore its beautiful historic center.
- Visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes, a beautifully preserved Renaissance castle and museum.
- Explore the picturesque seaside town of Saint-Malo and walk along its beautiful walls.
- Enjoy a seafood feast at La Duchesse Anne, a traditional Breton restaurant.
- Take a leisurely stroll around Place de la Mairie, the bustling heart of Rennes.
- Visit the Musée de la Danse, an innovative museum dedicated to contemporary dance.
- Savor the flavors of Breton cuisine at La Petite Boucherie.
- Buy some souvenirs at the Marché des Lices, a market that sells everything from cheese to clothing.
- Bid adieu to the city and head home with memories of a delightful and culture-filled sojourn.
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.
