Rennes Centre captivates visitors with its medieval charm and distinct Breton character. Half-timbered houses line cobblestone streets, creating picture-perfect scenes around every corner. The impressive Parliament of Brittany stands majestically in the historic district. Pedestrian-only zones make exploring this cultural treasure comfortable and enjoyable. The area boasts exceptional local cuisine, with crêperies serving authentic Breton galettes and sweet crêpes. Shop for Celtic jewellery and regional specialities along car-free Rue Le Bastard. Metro stations and well-planned walking routes connect you easily to Rennes Cathedral, Place des Lices, and charming local markets.
Step into Brittany's medieval treasure where ancient stone ramparts embrace Saint-Malo and Dinan. These historic towns showcase perfectly preserved half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets that transport you through centuries of maritime history. The Gothic Saint-Sauveur Basilica stands tall over Dinan's charming port along the River Rance. Traditional crêperies and seafood bistros offer authentic Breton flavours throughout both towns. Wander along Saint-Malo's stunning beaches or follow Dinan's winding streets past colourful shutters and artisan boutiques. The area's distinctive Celtic culture comes alive through local festivals, maritime traditions, and the unique Gallo language heritage.
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.
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.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Rennes
Rennes Cathedral
8.8/10 (207 reviews)
Rennes Cathedral dazzles with its neoclassical façade and luminous interior adorned with marble and gilt. Morning visits offer the best natural light to appreciate the painted coffered ceiling and grand granite columns.
This historic square, once a medieval jousting arena, now hosts France's largest market every Saturday since 1622. Arrive early for galette-saucisse while browsing local produce amid historic architecture.
The historic Parc du Thabor blends formal French gardens with English landscapes. Stroll through the magnificent rose garden with over 2,000 varieties or attend a summer concert in this peaceful urban retreat.
This 17th-century masterpiece showcases Brittany's rich heritage with gilded chambers and ornate artwork. Book a guided tour to explore the Grand'Chambre, where judicial history meets architectural splendour.
This 14th-century Dominican monastery now serves as a stunning modern convention centre with Gothic stonework. Explore the serene cloister garden or attend a concert in the grand auditorium with exceptional acoustics.
Roazhon Park, home to Stade Rennais F.C. since 1912, stands as one of France's oldest football venues. Experience the electric atmosphere of a Ligue 1 match surrounded by passionate Breton supporters.
Place de la Gare serves as Rennes' vital transport hub, connecting the main railway station with the urban landscape. Enjoy a coffee at surrounding cafes while watching the city pulse with travellers and locals.
Le Liberté is Rennes' premier performance venue, hosting concerts and cultural events in its modern facilities. Arrive early to enjoy pre-show drinks at the venue's bar and secure optimal viewing seats.
"The hotel is clean and tidy and very near Rennes train station.
Room was very small and so was bathroom.
Air con worked well and bed comfy.
Thought had tea and coffee in room but didn't. There was a kettle by reception and you made your own there and took it to your room.
Breakfast was decent. Nice buffet selection of pastries, cheese, cooked meats etc.
Not the best in Rennes but decent."
"Hi,
We arrive at hotel late 11pm, there is only one room left.
When we go in the room, there is horrible smell, and we find in bathroom there is mildew on top off ceiling, we are suffering the smell until next day to change the room."
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.
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.
In Rennes, visit the vibrant Halles Centrales market for fresh produce and local delicacies. If you're up for a drive, La Mézière's Centre Commercial Cesson offers a variety of shops and eateries, perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs.
Recreation
At Roazhon Park, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Le Liberte offers a cultural haven with captivating performances, ideal for a romantic evening or family outing. Espace des Sciences invites families to explore the wonders of the universe in an entertaining and educational setting.
Adventure
Domaine de Boulet, a thrilling waterpark 25.7km from Rennes, offers exhilarating rides and family-friendly fun. For an outdoor adventure, Foret Adrenaline Rennes features a zipline ropes course within the city, providing an adrenaline rush amidst nature. Enigmaparc, located 19.3km away, is an exciting arcade adventure zone perfect for families.
Nightlife
In Rennes, discover the vibrant nightlife around Rue de la Soif, filled with lively bars and cafés. Enjoy live music at Le MeM and dance the night away at L'Antipode. The atmosphere is energetic, with locals and visitors mingling in a charming blend of tradition and modernity.
Find the best attractions in Rennes
Rennes offers an enriching blend of culture, outdoor activities, and business opportunities, making it an ideal destination for various travellers. Key attractions include the medieval city of Rennes and the stunning Rennes Cathedral, alongside modern squares and institutes. Whether you're seeking a romantic experience or a cultural deep dive, Rennes has much to explore and enjoy.
Rennes Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, Rennes Cathedral boasts intricate designs and a serene atmosphere. Visitors can admire its beautiful stained glass windows and rich historical significance, offering a profound cultural experience that reflects the city's heritage.
Place des Lices: This vibrant square is a hub of local life, known for its bustling market and lively ambience. Surrounded by charming cafés and historical buildings, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee while soaking in the culture and city vibes of Rennes.
Rennes 2 University: A modern educational institution, Rennes 2 University showcases contemporary architecture and a lively student atmosphere. The university is known for its arts and humanities programmes, making it a unique cultural point of interest in the city.
Best time to go to Rennes
The best time to visit Rennes can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Rennes falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Rennes falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Rennes
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Rennes.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically December to February) for more affordable package holidays to Rennes.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Rennes holiday package cost?
Offering excellent value package deals on Expedia, you'll be thrilled with how little a holiday to Rennes costs! Expedia's packages make travel planning easier and your savings go further.
What are the cheapest months to go to Rennes?
You can usually find lower prices and better availability in December, January and February. Check out our cheap Rennes holiday packages and you could score some excellent off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Rennes?
Dedicate at least 2 days for your Rennes holiday to really enjoy everything that makes this destination special. Wander around key areas, including Colombier - Champ de Mars and Saint-Hélier. Then tick off top sights such as Le Liberte and Musee de Bretagne. With a well-organised itinerary, you'll be kept busy with room for some downtime too. Want to travel beyond Rennes? Consider squeezing in an excursion or two.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Rennes?
Rennes offers everything you need for a wonderful escape. Get your Rennes holiday off to a flying start by checking out top attractions like Place de la Gare.
How to find the best Rennes package deals?
Landing a cheap Rennes package deal is a cinch with Expedia. Once you've entered your trip dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your budget, apply a couple of filters and see what's available. You can tailor your search by "Amenities," "Property type," "Traveller experience" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most economical Rennes package deals. Want a simple trick to get even more savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider going away on a weekday, when prices are often lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Rennes holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your next Rennes getaway by booking a tailored holiday package. Click on the "Package" heading, then select your destination and travel dates to see the best hotel and flight prices. Bundle everything into a great-value package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may land a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Rennes?
Enjoy fantastic discounts by booking your flights ahead of time with Expedia. If being spontaneous is more your style, snap up one of our last-minute deals for an impromptu Rennes trip.
How to plan a trip to Rennes?
Choose when to go: Check your calendar and get packing. Your favourite time of year and the type of activities available will also help you decide when to holiday in Rennes.
Calculate your budget: Ensure you have enough money to cover everything from transportation and meals to flights and experiences. Your accommodation will likely be the biggest expense during your trip to Rennes.
Decide how long to go for: Now that you're more familiar with Rennes, you can figure out the right length of your break. Put together a draft plan and give yourself enough time for all the things you want to do.
Combine your hotel and flights: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. Now all that's left is to find a Rennes holiday package that brings all your bookings together.