Explore Rennes: The Central City of Brittany and Its Top 10 Must-See Attractions

Rennes, the central city of the Brittany region in western France, is especially popular as a base for visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mont-Saint-Michel. Situated at the confluence of two rivers, Rennes has overcome various historical events over the years. Notably, the city experienced remarkable growth after World War II and continues to develop, making it a place to watch. The area around the old town retains many historic buildings and is filled with attractions! Its beautiful streetscapes offer a delightful sightseeing experience just by walking around. Here, we introduce 10 recommended tourist spots in Rennes, a city full of charm and delicious local cuisine!

1. The Streets of the Old Town

The Old Town, located about a 15-minute walk from Rennes Station, is the main area for sightseeing in Rennes. Among the mix of new and old buildings in Rennes, the historic wooden-framed structures in the Old Town stand out. While half-timbered houses are also well-known in the Alsace region, the wooden houses in Rennes have slightly different construction styles. Comparing the differences between regions can be quite interesting.
The picturesque streets of Rennes Old Town, with their charming, storybook-like buildings, are delightful to stroll through. The area around the Old Town is also home to many stylish cafes and restaurants, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal or take a break while surrounded by historic homes.

2. Thabor Park

Thabor Park, said to be the most beautiful park in Rennes, is also a well-known tourist attraction. The expansive grounds, surrounded by lush nature and meticulously maintained, resemble a palace garden. Various flowers bloom depending on the season, but the magnolia blossoms are particularly beloved by the people of Rennes. During the flowering season, the park becomes lively with many visitors.
The rose garden is also popular with tourists. The area is filled with a wide variety of roses, and when in full bloom, the air is sweetly scented with their fragrance. In addition, numerous plants are cultivated in sections, almost like a botanical garden. Flowers bloom in every season, so you can enjoy the park at any time of year. Each visit offers a new experience with different seasonal expressions.

3. Saint-Pierre Cathedral

One of Rennes' iconic landmarks, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, has a rich history and is a popular tourist attraction. It was originally built in the 12th century in Gothic style but underwent numerous renovations, incorporating various architectural styles to achieve its current appearance. Even today, during prayer times, many worshippers from Rennes gather here.
Upon entering the building, visitors are captivated by its stunning arched ceilings. The intricate paintings and detailed decorations on the pillars are all remarkable and worth seeing! The pipe organ installed in the chapel is also magnificent. The warm atmosphere of the chapel creates a cozy ambiance, making it easy to lose track of time.
General tourists can also participate in the worship services. If your schedule allows, joining the locals can be a unique experience. The sacred atmosphere will leave you feeling refreshed and spiritually cleansed.

4. Lices Market

Lices Market is Rennes' largest farmers' market, held every Saturday in the historic Place des Lices. Here, you can find everything from fresh local vegetables and fruits to cheese and bread. The vast grounds are lined with numerous specialty shops, creating a colorful, lively atmosphere. It’s bustling with activity, and for the people of Rennes, the weekly shopping trip to Lices Market is one of life’s pleasures.
A must-try for visitors is the Breton specialty, galettes. These buckwheat crepes filled with various ingredients offer a rustic taste that’s popular among tourists as well. Some stalls even attract long queues. You’ll also find plenty of vibrant fruits, delicious baked goods, and other grab-and-go items perfect for snacking while sightseeing. Be sure to give them a try!

5. Fine Arts Museum

The Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts), located near the old town of Rennes, is one of the must-visit tourist spots in Rennes. While it is not a particularly large museum, its collection is of high quality, showcasing numerous valuable works. It features many masterpieces by world-renowned modern painters, including Gauguin and Pissarro, making it an incredibly impressive experience! Among them, Georges de La Tour's The Nativity is a must-see.
The museum is located near a river, making for a pleasant environment. It’s recommended to visit the museum while strolling around the surrounding area. Unlike globally famous museums in cities like Paris, it is rarely crowded. There aren’t too many tourists, so you can enjoy art at your own pace.

6. Parliament of Brittany

Rennes is the capital of the Brittany region, which encompasses the entire Brittany Peninsula. Built in the 17th century, the Parliament of Brittany was the center of regional politics and is now one of Rennes’ most beautiful buildings. The first floor is gray, and the second floor is white, with this contrast enhancing the elegance of Rennes even further.
The roof features golden decorations, and the intricate sculptures throughout are a major highlight. Currently used as a courthouse, the interior is not open for general viewing, but simply admiring the exterior makes it worth a visit.
The area in front of the parliament is a well-maintained, beautiful square and serves as a place of relaxation for the people of Rennes. On sunny days, you can see people lying on the grass and enjoying their lunch, creating a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere. At night, light shows are sometimes held. With cafes and restaurants nearby, it’s worth taking a stroll in the area.

7. Les Champs Libres

Located right next to Rennes Station, Les Champs Libres is a complex facility beloved by locals in Rennes. Its exterior features a modern, glass-covered design, and inside, you’ll find a library, museum, science center, and even a planetarium—making it an attractive destination for tourists as well. Thanks to its convenient location in front of the station, many people drop by during train layovers. Especially on weekends, it bustles with numerous visitors.
The recommended spot is the Brittany Museum. It offers various exhibitions, including the history and archaeological treasures of not only Rennes but also the Brittany region, which tourists find fascinating. Learning the history in advance adds depth to your travels. The facility also has numerous cafés and fast-food outlets, so there’s no need to worry about meals.

8. La Roche aux Fées

Located about a 30-minute drive from the center of Rennes, this spot is known as a mysterious tourist destination. The structure, created by stacking massive stones approximately 5,000 years ago, remains shrouded in mystery regarding its purpose. Interestingly, during the winter solstice, sunlight enters straight through the entrance and illuminates the interior. If this was intentionally designed, it is truly astonishing!
“La Roche aux Fées” means “Rock of the Fairies” in French, and as its name suggests, the site exudes a mystical atmosphere. Surrounded by fields, the sudden appearance of the mysterious stones amidst the tranquil scenery sparks the imagination of visitors. Research and investigations are ongoing, but the enigma surrounding it continues to captivate.

9. Saint George Palace

Built in 1670, the Saint George Palace is one of the most notable palace structures in Rennes. Its beautifully arched outer walls are a distinctive feature, and its refined design stands out even in the old town of Rennes. Although it is currently used by public institutions in Rennes, which means tourists cannot freely tour the interior, simply walking around the exterior is well worth the visit.
The gardens in front of the building are also a popular attraction, where visitors can spend time as they like. The seasonal flowers blooming in the gardens with the palace in the background create a truly elegant landscape. It preserves the glamorous atmosphere of the aristocratic era to this day. If you want to fully enjoy the quintessentially French très bien ambiance in Rennes, Saint George Palace is highly recommended.

10. Gayeulles Park

Gayeulles Park, a beloved relaxation spot for the people of Rennes, is also an appealing destination for tourists. With an area several times larger than Thabor Park, it features numerous ponds surrounded by greenery and offers various activities, such as an ice rink during the colder months. A particularly popular feature among tourists is the animal interaction corner, where visitors can freely view animals like goats, sheep, deer, and geese for free.
On weekends, many locals visit to relax, jog, or enjoy lunch. Additionally, there is a café-restaurant overlooking the ponds, allowing for a peaceful meal while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Gayeulles Park offers a glimpse into the unpretentious daily life of Rennes locals.

Summary

We’ve introduced 10 recommended sightseeing spots in Rennes, the central city of Brittany. Its charming streets, steeped in history, enhance the sightseeing experience just by strolling through them. While many tourists visit Rennes as a transit point for trains or as an overnight stay before heading to Mont-Saint-Michel, merely passing through would be a waste! Many attractions are within walking distance, so be sure to set aside time to explore Rennes.