Discovering Charm and History in Rennes

Experience the charm of Brittany in Rennes, France.

22 April 2023

As a tourist in Rennes, France, you'll be transported back in time as you wander through the historic streets and visit landmarks like the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre and the Portes Mordelaises. The city is known for its lively local market, where you can sample delicious Breton treats like crêpes and galettes. At night, the city comes to life with a vibrant nightlife scene featuring live music, bars, and clubs.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring the Historic Side of Rennes

  • Start your day with a croissant and coffee at La Fontaine Aux Perles, a charming cafe in the heart of the historic district.
  • Take a stroll through the Parc du Thabor, a gorgeous green space with exotic plants, a French garden and a zoo.
  • Head to the Place des Lices, the most famous square in Rennes, and browse the weekly market for fresh produce, cheeses and local specialties.
  • Visit the Cathedral Saint-Pierre, an impressive Gothic-style cathedral with stunning stained glass windows.
  • Indulge in some delicious crepes at La Creperie Saint Georges, a cozy restaurant that serves both sweet and savory versions of the classic French dish.
  • Wrap up your day with a drink at Le Comptoir du Gradlon, a trendy bar with a great selection of cocktails, wine and beer.
  • Rennes may be a small city, but it is packed with history, culture and charm. Spend a day exploring the historic side of Rennes and you'll fall in love with this gem of a city.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Rennes

Looking for a place that's easy to spell and fun to visit? Look no further than the charming city of Rennes, where the streets are lined with creperies and the locals have a knack for making even the most mundane activities seem chic.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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