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 ¥17,405 per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
¥17,405
¥19,847 total
Nov 8 - Nov 9
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (622 reviews)
"Very stylish hotel, well located in central Rennes with a well prices public car park just next door. Rooms are well sized, comfortable and clean and the staff friendly and welcoming."

Reviewed on Oct 13, 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
The price is ¥25,581 per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
¥25,581
¥29,017 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
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! (568 reviews)
"Team was very polite and helpful."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 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 ¥17,096 per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
¥17,096
¥19,506 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (733 reviews)
"Accueil à revoir, des soucis dans la chambre : bureau et chaise abîmés, porte de douche qui bloque. Jet du Jacuzzi trop fort. Piscine mal nettoyé. Pas d’huiles essentielles dans le hammam. 24€ pour le petit déjeuner par personne => on l’a pris en extérieur du coup. WE en amoureux décevant de ce ..."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Palais du Parlement de Bretagne and Place ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (564 reviews)
"Location is good and there is parking (with a fee) at the hotel. My only complaint is our room kitchen cupboard had a very bad smell of overly cooked vegetables. We had to keep the door closed at all times."

Reviewed on Sep 2, 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 ...
Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
Séjours & Affaires Rennes de Bretagne

Séjours & Affaires Rennes de Bretagne

23, rue de Chatillon Rennes Ille-et-Vilaine
Stay at this aparthotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Place de la Gare and Espace des Sciences ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (141 reviews)
"the location is very well situated and accessible"

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025

Séjours & Affaires Rennes de Bretagne
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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