Discover Rennes: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip

Explore the charming city of Rennes without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Rennes, France is a charming city that offers affordable options for travelers on a budget. Visitors can enjoy exploring the historic city center, delicious street food, and free musical performances in the streets. Additionally, budget-friendly accommodations are readily available, making Rennes an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers.

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Day trip plan

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Day

A Day in Rennes

  • This small, French city is the perfect place for a one day visit, with plenty of cultural, historical, and gastronomical delights on offer. Here's how to spend a perfect day in Rennes on a limited budget:
  • Start your day with a visit to the Marché des Lices, one of the biggest farmer's markets in France. Try some fresh pastries or savoury snacks to start your day off right.
  • After that, head to the Musée de Bretagne and discover the history and culture of Brittany. This museum features exhibits on everything from art and agriculture to war and politics, and entrance is free.
  • Time for some lunch! Head to La Taverne de la Marine for delicious and affordable French cuisine. Try the local specialties like cooked ham with potatoes or Brittany's famous galette-saucisse (a sausage stuffed in a savoury crepe).
  • The Tour de l'Horloge is Rennes' most iconic monument, so be sure to climb the 200 stairs to the top for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. It won't cost you a penny!
  • Take a walk through the Thabor gardens, a stunning 10-hectare park featuring an orangery, a bird sanctuary, and colorful flower gardens. Don't forget to snap a photo next to the waterfall!
  • End your day with a refreshing beer at Les Trois Cours, a lively bar with a great selection of local brews. Enjoy the atmosphere and the friendly staff, and raise a glass to a perfect day in Rennes!

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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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More travel plans

4 Days of Fun in Rennes, France

A trip to Rennes, France as a tourist promises a delightful blend of rich history and modern arts. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town and admire magnificent medieval architecture, or visit the stunning Musée des Beaux-Arts to view a vast collection of artworks. Rennes also offers excellent dining options, with numerous restaurants serving traditional Breton cuisine and delicious wines.

Rennes Family Fun Expedition: 3 Days of Adventure!

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.

Romantic weekend in Rennes, France

A romantic trip to Rennes, France promises a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern-day sophistication. The city's Gothic-style cathedral and charming cobblestone streets offer a romantic background for leisurely walks and intimate moments. Couples can indulge in the local cuisine and wine, which is exquisitely prepared and served in charming restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the city.

Rennes on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun!

A trip to Rennes can be affordable, even on a limited budget. The city offers plenty of free activities such as visiting the Parliament of Brittany or wandering through the picturesque historic center. Eating at local markets or exploring the many parks and gardens can also help keep costs down while still enjoying all that Rennes has to offer.