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.

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.

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.

Mama Shelter Rennes

Mama Shelter Rennes

4 out of 5
3 Place de la Trinite Rennes FRANCE
The price is RM502 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
RM502
RM571 total
30 Aug - 31 Aug
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 ...
Mama Shelter Rennes
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 RM821 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
RM821
RM927 total
20 Aug - 21 Aug
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (554 reviews)
"The Balthazar was beautiful and the location was great. We walked from the train station (15 mins) and also an easy walk to Cathedral etc. Rooms and lobby were clean and pretty. Staff were friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2026

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

Kyriad Rennes Centre Gare

3 out of 5
6 Place De La Gare Rennes Ille-et-Vilaine
The price is RM339 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
RM339
RM386 total
4 Sept - 5 Sept
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (934 reviews)
"I was really pleased with my stay - the hotel was just across the road from the station and right on the edge of the centre of Rennes, a great location. The room was fantastic - love the decoration, the bed was incredibly comfortable and the air-conditioning was a life saver in the heat! Breakfast ..."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2026

Kyriad Rennes Centre Gare
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 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! (554 reviews)
"Aucune climatisation avec une canicule de 37 degrés pas possible d'avoir au minimum un ventilateur beaucoup de poussière dans la chambre et vaisselle pas laver tâche de rouge à lèvre sur les verres. Une mention spéciale à Florence la gouvernante qui court partout et garde le sourire avec la ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 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! (675 reviews)
"Good parking short walk into center"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2026

Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
Appart'City Classic Rennes Ouest

Appart'City Classic Rennes Ouest

2 out of 5
7 rue Pierre Joseph Colin Rennes Ille-et-Vilaine
Stay at this aparthotel in Rennes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Roazhon Park and Place des Lices are ...
7.8/10 Good! (404 reviews)
"We booked our son in this accommodation as he was waiting for student accommodation, The price was expensive for what we got for 16 days, but all in all a good stay"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2024

Appart'City Classic Rennes Ouest
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