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 Le Liberte.

Mama Shelter Rennes

Mama Shelter Rennes

4 out of 5
3 Place de la Trinite Rennes FRANCE
The price is RM429 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
RM429
RM491 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
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
Le Saint-Antoine Hotel & Spa, BW Premier Collection

Le Saint-Antoine Hotel & Spa, BW Premier Collection

4 out of 5
27, avenue Janvier Rennes
The price is RM468 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
RM468
RM534 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Rennes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (719 reviews)
"Fantastic location. Just a few minutes walk away from the train station. The old square is about 15 minutes walk from this hotel, which offers a real French city cafe restaurant vibe. Thankfully for those who wants a slower pace there is also an abundance of cafe and bars next to the Gare (train ..."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2026

Le Saint-Antoine Hotel & Spa, BW Premier 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 RM338 per night from 3 Oct to 4 Oct
RM338
RM385 total
3 Oct - 4 Oct
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! (945 reviews)
"All good. We would stay here again."

Reviewed on 3 Sept 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! (557 reviews)
"Location is good and there is parking (with a fee) at the hotel. My only complaint is our room kitchen cupboard had a very bad smell of overly cooked vegetables. We had to keep the door closed at all times."

Reviewed on 2 Sept 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! (682 reviews)
"Great simple apartment, has everything you need for a short stay. Bed was comfy, shower was good, receptionists friendly, easy walk into the centre location. Parking easy, lots of spaces and cost 12 euros for 24hrs."

Reviewed on 28 Aug 2026

Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
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! (467 reviews)
"Great little apartment for the price, bedding, towels etc were clean. We used the C4 bus into the town centre which is really easy."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2026

Appart'City Classic Rennes Beauregard
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