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 Rennes Opera House 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.

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

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.

Mama Shelter Rennes

Mama Shelter Rennes

4 out of 5
3 Place de la Trinite Rennes FRANCE
The price is ¥21,444 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
¥21,444
¥24,305 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
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! (560 reviews)
"Very well presented, maintained and manned. A real pleasure to stay in"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2026

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
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. ...
Balthazar Hotel & Spa Rennes - MGallery 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 ¥13,851 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
¥13,851
¥15,714 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (927 reviews)
"Really lovely 1 night stay. Staff super-friendly and helpful and the hotel couldn't be closer to the train and bus stations. Had a lovely time."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Palais du Parlement de Bretagne and Place ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (552 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 Jul 20, 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! (674 reviews)
"Good parking short walk into center"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2026

Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
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! (463 reviews)
"Friendly helpful staff. Upgraded to larger room . Enjoyed my stay. Thank you"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2023

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.

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