Rennes

Travel Guide

A historic cathedral with two towers and a large central window.
A blue building with a glass door open, revealing people inside.
A historic building with ornate architecture, a well-maintained garden with various plants, and a clear blue sky.
A bustling European street with half-timbered buildings, outdoor cafes, and pedestrians.
A historic building with a sign for 'Auberge du Chaudron Medieval Restaurant'.

Markets, museums, historical buildings and an interactive science centre draw travellers to the centre of this city in the serene Brittany countryside.

Rennes is the capital of the Brittany region in northwestern France. A large, spacious plaza in its centre is surrounded by structures of great historical significance. Visit the many museums of art and history scattered around the city alongside parks, gardens and university buildings. The city hosts several annual music and film festivals.

Locate the Place des Lices in the town centre. Due to its accessible and practical location, it is a popular meeting point for locals and travellers. Browse the market in the central square, which leads to Place Rallier-du-Baty. Majestic townhouses surround the plaza.

The Rennes Cathedral, which dates back to the sixth century, has a neoclassical design with two towers full of window displays and elegant decorations. Walk around the interior and gaze up at the elegant arched ceiling and columns on either side of the nave. It is also known as Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes.

Make your way to the 17th-century wonder, the Palais du Parlement de Bretagne, the last building to house Brittany’s old parliament. It now serves as the Courts of Appeal for the city of Rennes. The building’s grand design features a grey lower story, a white second floor and a roof decorated with gold spikes and statues.

Browse the vast archeological collection at the Musée de Bretagne from prehistoric to modern times. Discover the story of Alfred Dreyfus, a former army captain who was wrongly accused of a crime.

The museum shares a building with a grand library and the Espace des Sciences, a centre that brings science to life with interactive exhibitions. Take the kids to Merlin’s Laboratory, where they can do their own experiments.

Uncover the fascinating history of Rennes before enjoying the picturesque Brittany countryside.

Where to stay in Rennes

Find the best Rennes areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Rennes Centre

Consider a visit to Parliament of Brittany and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Rennes Centre. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Republique Station or Saint-Germain Station.

Dinan - Saint-Malo

Dinan - Saint-Malo might not have many top sights, but Le Couvent des Jacobins and Place des Lices are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Thabor - Saint-Hélier

Visitors to Thabor - Saint-Hélier like its bars and parks, and Thabor Botanic Gardens is a sight worth a stop.

Colombier - Champ de Mars

Colombier - Champ de Mars is a destination travellers like for its spas, and you might hop aboard the metro at Charles de Gaulle Metro Station or Colombier Station to explore sights like Musée de Bretagne.

Saint-Hélier

You might enjoy the restaurants on your visit to Saint-Hélier. Visitors recommend a visit to Place de la Gare, and you can get around town on the metro at Gares Station.

Mama Shelter Rennes

Mama Shelter Rennes

4 out of 5
3 Place de la Trinite Rennes FRANCE
The price is RM441 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
RM441
RM504 total
5 Jul - 6 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Rennes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (536 reviews)
"Really nice hotel, located in the center of Rennes. Fun, quirky, atmosphere"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2026

Mama Shelter Rennes
Campanile Rennes Centre - Gare

Campanile Rennes Centre - Gare

3 out of 5
28 Avenue Jean Janvier Rennes
The price is RM275 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
RM275
RM315 total
5 Jul - 6 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Rennes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (816 reviews)
"Limt breakfast if go late some staff grump sleep ok"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026

Campanile Rennes Centre - Gare
Balthazar Hotel & Spa Rennes - MGallery Collection

Balthazar Hotel & Spa Rennes - MGallery Collection

5 out of 5
19 Rue Marechal Joffre Rennes Ille-et-Vilaine
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM687 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
RM687
RM779 total
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Rennes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Balthazar Hotel & Spa Rennes - MGallery Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Appart'City Classic Rennes Beauregard

Appart'City Classic Rennes Beauregard

1, Rue Aurelie Nemours Rennes Ille-et-Vilaine
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rennes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Le Couvent des Jacobins ...
7.8/10 Good! (458 reviews)
"Friendly helpful staff. Upgraded to larger room . Enjoyed my stay. Thank you"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2023

Appart'City Classic Rennes Beauregard
Appart Hotel Odalys City Rennes Lorgeril

Appart Hotel Odalys City Rennes Lorgeril

3 out of 5
2, rue Lorgeril Rennes
Stay at this aparthotel in Rennes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Palais du Parlement de Bretagne and Place ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (548 reviews)
"Cheap, but could be a bit more cheerful, the room was bland without even any pictures on the walls. Also for an Apartment/hotel it would have been nice to include a comfy chair in the room. The bathroom could also use some work replacing water damaged panels. But excellent value, and nice ..."

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Appart Hotel Odalys City Rennes Lorgeril
Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre

Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre

2 out of 5
35 rue d'Antrain Rennes
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rennes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Le Couvent des Jacobins ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (671 reviews)
"Perfect experience, from start to finish."

Reviewed on 7 May 2026

Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Rennes attractions

Things to do