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 RM535 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
RM535
RM606 total
23 Aug - 24 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
The price is RM692 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
RM692
RM784 total
6 Aug - 7 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! (546 reviews)
"The Balthazar is impeccable. It is elegant, the staff goes above and beyond, the spa and amenities are superb. Staying there is a vacation within a vacation. ❤️"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2026

Balthazar Hotel & Spa Rennes - MGallery Collection
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 RM449 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
RM449
RM513 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
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! (700 reviews)
"Had a quiet room at the front with great views of the city skyline. The staff were really helpful."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2026

Le Saint-Antoine Hotel & Spa, BW Premier 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 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! (551 reviews)
"Check-in was quick with no issues. Room was clean and quiet. The very effective air conditioning was a bonus with the recent heatwave."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2026

Appart Hotel Odalys City Rennes Lorgeril
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
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! (673 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