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 center draw travelers to the center 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 center 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 center. Due to its accessible and practical location, it is a popular meeting point for locals and travelers. 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 gray 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 center 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 and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rennes
Learn more about Rennes

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

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Dinan - Saint-Malo and surrounding area, you can visit Le Couvent des Jacobins and Place des Lices.

Thabor - Saint-Hélier

Visitors to Thabor - Saint-Hélier like its bars and parks, and Thabor Botanic Gardens is a sight worth a stop.

Colombier - Champ de Mars

You might enjoy the spas while in Colombier - Champ de Mars. Musée de Bretagne is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Charles de Gaulle Metro Station or Colombier Station to see more of the city.

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.

Mama Shelter Rennes

Mama Shelter Rennes

4 out of 5
3 Place de la Trinite Rennes FRANCE
The price is ¥18,937 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
¥18,937
¥21,565 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (538 reviews)
"Really nice hotel, located in the center of Rennes. Fun, quirky, atmosphere"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2026

Mama Shelter Rennes
Campanile Rennes Centre - Gare

Campanile Rennes Centre - Gare

3 out of 5
28 Avenue Jean Janvier Rennes
The price is ¥11,803 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
¥11,803
¥13,473 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (816 reviews)
"Limt breakfast if go late some staff grump sleep ok"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2026

Campanile Rennes Centre - Gare
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 ¥28,327 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
¥28,327
¥32,079 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (539 reviews)
"Great staff- central location - lovely property!"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2026

Balthazar Hotel & Spa Rennes - MGallery 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'City Classic Rennes Beauregard

Appart'City Classic Rennes Beauregard

1, Rue Aurelie Nemours Rennes Ille-et-Vilaine
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Le Couvent des ...
7.8/10 Good! (458 reviews)
"Friendly helpful staff. Upgraded to larger room . Enjoyed my stay. Thank you"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2023

Appart'City Classic Rennes Beauregard
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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Palais du Parlement de Bretagne and Place ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (548 reviews)
"Cheap, but could be a bit more cheerful, the room was bland without even any pictures on the walls. Also for an Apartment/hotel it would have been nice to include a comfy chair in the room. The bathroom could also use some work replacing water damaged panels. But excellent value, and nice ..."

Reviewed on Mar 8, 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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Le Couvent des ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (672 reviews)
"Perfect experience, from start to finish."

Reviewed on May 7, 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

Cities near Rennes