Things To Do
in Rennes
Rennes is the capital city of the region of Brittany in northwestern France. It is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, especially in the historic center. The city has a lively atmosphere with plenty of cafes, shops, and markets to explore.
Rennes is also home to a prestigious university, giving it a vibrant and youthful energy.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaĂźt" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
Prices
- đ Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- đœïž Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- â Coffee: $2 - $5
- đ Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2.50
- đ Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- đïžââïž Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely walk in the Parc du Thabor, enjoying its beautiful gardens. Don't forget to grab a pastry from a local bakery nearby.
Visit the Rennes Cathedral, an impressive blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Explore the surrounding area and have lunch at a café in the historic district.
Dinner in one of the local bistros, trying traditional Breton cuisine. Stroll through the vibrant streets and enjoy the atmosphere.
Visit the Musée de Bretagne to learn about the region's rich history. Spend some time exploring the exhibits and enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Head to the Palais du Parlement de Bretagne, a stunning historical building. Take a guided tour to fully appreciate its architecture and significance.
Enjoy a performance at a local theater or a concert in one of the city's venues. End your day with a drink at a nearby bar.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historic architecture and vibrant arts scene
- Strong student population due to its universities, creating a lively atmosphere
- Excellent public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city and surrounding areas
- Proximity to beautiful natural landscapes, including the Brittany coastline
- Growing economy with diverse job opportunities, particularly in technology and research sectors
- Weather can be rainy and gray, particularly in winter months
- Cost of living has been rising as the city attracts more residents and businesses
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger French cities like Paris or Marseille
- Some areas may experience higher rates of student transient population, leading to noise and disruption in certain neighborhoods
- Public services may be stretched during peak tourist season, affecting local residents
Best Activities in Rennes
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A beautiful park with French, English, and botanical gardens, as well as a small zoo, making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities.
This scenic canal offers opportunities for walking, cycling, and boating, providing a tranquil outdoor setting.
A forested area with walking trails and picnic spots, perfect for a nature-filled outing.
Tours
Uncover the best of Rennes with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Rennes
Visit one of these nice places.
Beautiful park with gardens, fountains, and flowerbeds providing great views and photo opportunities.
Large park with lakes, gardens, and wooded areas offering scenic views and picturesque spots for photos.
Charming park with a lake and lush greenery, ideal for capturing stunning views and memorable photos.
Quaint street lined with colorful buildings and shops, perfect for capturing the charming atmosphere of Rennes.
Food in Rennes
Rennes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A savory buckwheat crepe filled with various ingredients such as cheese, ham, eggs, or vegetables. Try at Le Blé Noir or La Rozell Café.
Must-Try!
A delectable Breton pastry made of layers of buttery dough and sugar, resulting in a crispy, caramelized exterior and a soft, buttery interior. Visit Boulangerie Le Daniel for an authentic taste.
Traditional Breton cider made from locally grown apples, available in a range of flavors from dry to sweet. Enjoy a glass at Le Couvent des Jacobins or Le Sunset Boulevard.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Rennes better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest markets in France, offering an incredible variety of fresh produce, seafood, charcuterie, cheese, and local specialties every Saturday morning. Don't miss the opportunity to taste freshly shucked oysters or sample artisanal cheeses.
A lively street renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and an array of street food options, from crepes and kebabs to local seafood dishes. Perfect for late-night bites and experiencing the local bar scene.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Rennes, France, it is customary to greet people with a handshake and a polite 'Bonjour' (Good morning) or 'Bonsoir' (Good evening) depending on the time of day.
When dining in Rennes, it is important to wait until the host indicates where you should sit. It is also polite to keep your hands visible on the table, and to keep your napkin on your lap during the meal.
It's important to respect personal space in Rennes. When speaking with someone, maintain a comfortable distance and avoid standing too close, as this can be seen as intrusive.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Rennes with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Rennes
Ensure a smooth experience
In Rennes, France, tipping is not considered obligatory, as service charges are often included in the bill. However, it is common to leave a small amount of change or round up the bill as a gesture of appreciation for good service in restaurants, cafes, and taxis.
Cash is widely accepted in Rennes, especially in smaller establishments. However, credit and debit cards are also commonly used for payments. Contactless payment methods are gaining popularity, and most businesses accept major international cards. It's advisable to carry some cash, particularly for small purchases and in rural areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Rennes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Rennes, with mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and various festivals and events such as the Art Rock Festival.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Rennes, with warm weather, longer days, and an abundance of outdoor activities and cultural events.
Fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, making it an ideal time for exploring the city's parks and gardens. The Trans Musicales music festival also takes place in late fall.
Winter in Rennes is chilly, but the city comes alive with festive decorations, Christmas markets, and indoor cultural events, providing a cozy and charming atmosphere.
Rennes at Night
Hiking in Rennes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic park along the Vilaine River with walking trails, offering lush greenery and beautiful views.
A large forest just outside Rennes known for its diverse wildlife, ancient trees, and numerous hiking trails.
A natural park featuring a variety of terrains, from heathland to forest paths, perfect for hikers. It's about a 30-minute drive from Rennes.
Located within the city, this park features several trails and a lake, ideal for hiking and enjoying nature without leaving Rennes.
A coastal hiking trail that stretches along the Brittany coastline, offering breathtaking sea views. A bit further from Rennes but worth the drive.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Rennes through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Rennes by plane.
Located approximately 100 kilometers west of Rennes, Nantes Atlantique Airport serves as the primary international airport for the region.
Situated around 150 kilometers northwest of Rennes, Brest Bretagne Airport offers both domestic and limited international flights.
Located approximately 70 kilometers north of Rennes, Dinard Airport provides access to destinations primarily in the UK.
The main airport serving Rennes, it offers several regional and seasonal international flights.
About 150 kilometers to the northeast of Rennes, this airport caters to domestic flights and limited international service.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population in Rennes consists of young adults, many of whom are students due to the presence of several universities and higher education institutions.
This demographic group constitutes a large part of the workforce in Rennes, including professionals and skilled workers in various sectors such as technology, education, and services.
Rennes has a considerable number of children, with families attracted to the city's educational facilities and quality of life.
The senior demographic has been growing, reflecting trends of an aging population, with many older adults choosing to reside in Rennes for its healthcare services and community activities.
Rennes is home to a diverse immigrant community, contributing to the cultural diversity and demographic dynamics of the city.
The Soul of Rennes
Discover the essence of Rennes through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rennes has a strong football culture, with the local team Stade Rennais F.C. competing in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football.
Rugby is also popular in Rennes, with teams participating in various leagues and a growing fan base.
Basketball is well-followed in Rennes, with local clubs competing in national leagues and hosting community events.
Handball enjoys a solid following with local teams and clubs promoting the sport among the youth.
Cycling is popular both as a recreational activity and a competitive sport, with many events taking place in and around the city.
Running and jogging are widely practiced, with several marathons and communal running events held annually.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rennes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Rennes has an increasing number of restaurants and cafes offering vegetarian and vegan dishes, including Le Champ Libre and Soya. Look out for 'végétarien' for vegetarian options and 'végétalien' for vegan options on menus.
Many establishments in Rennes cater to gluten-free diets, with specific items marked on their menus. Le Carré and Les Arteliers are known for their gluten-free offerings.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Rennes with these cultural adventures.
