What to do and see in Rennes? The 15 must-see places
Rennes is a city unlike any other. The historical capital of Brittany, She managed to retain her soul while becoming a major technological and cultural hub. As you stroll through its streets, you will pass from 15th-century timber-framed facades to bold glass and steel architecture.
It's a city on a human scale where nature is everywhere, between the banks of the Vilaine and its many gardens. Dynamic, youthful, and festive, Rennes charms with its relaxed lifestyle, generous cuisine, and constant artistic vibrancy. Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or an epicurean, Rennes is sure to have a secret to share with you.
In this article, Francebus takes you on a journey to discover Rennes, a vibrant metropolis where the elegance of Breton heritage meets the audacity of modernity, through an exclusive tour of its 15 most emblematic places.
The 15 must-see places to visit in Rennes
The Parliament of Brittany 
A true gem of 17th-century architecture, The Parliament of Brittany is a symbol of the province's tumultuous history. Designed by Salomon de Brosse (the architect of the Luxembourg Palace in Paris), it survived the great fire of 1720 before itself succumbing to flames in 1994. Its exemplary reconstruction makes it today one of the most prestigious sites in France, where one can admire sculpted ceilings and paintings of rare finesse.
Why visit the Parliament of Brittany?
- Strengths: Its French-style ceilings and the Grand Chamber, a masterpiece of decorative art.
Practical information
- Address : Place du Parlement de Bretagne, 35000 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: Guided tours only (~6,50 €). Opening hours set by the Tourist Office. Book your visit here.
Learn more on the official website
Thabor Park 
Spread over more than 10 hectares, The Thabor is much more than a garden: it is a open-air plant museum. Designed by the renowned landscape architect Denis Bühler in the 19th century, it is divided into several harmonious sections. It is a favorite meeting place for Rennes residents to read and stroll among the... 2,000 varieties of roses or admire the exotic aviaries.
Why visit Thabor Park?
- Strengths: The perfect coexistence of a French-style garden, an English-style park and a spectacular rose garden.
Practical information
- Address : Place Saint-Melaine, 35000 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: Free. Open from 7:30am to 8:30pm (summer hours).
Learn more about the Tourist Office
The Mordelaises Gates 
These gates, a mandatory passage for the Dukes of Brittany during their coronation ceremony, constituted the’main entrance to the fortified city in the Middle Ages. The monument consists of a gatehouse with two large towers and a drawbridge. Recently enhanced by urban renewal work, the site allows us to understand the strategic importance of Rennes in the medieval period.
Why visit the Mordelaises Gates?
- Strengths: An impressive military relic that marks the entrance to old Rennes.
Practical information
- Address : 6 rue des Portes Mordelaises, 35000 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: Free and open access 24/7.
Learn more about the Tourist Office
The Market of the Lices 
Every Saturday morning since 1622, the Place des Lices comes alive to welcome the second largest market in France. Between the two brick and metal halls (designed by Jean-Baptiste Martenot), hundreds of local producers They sell the best of Breton local produce: cider, semi-salted butter, fresh fish and, of course, the legendary galette-saucisse (sausage galette).
Why visit the Marché des Lices?
- Strengths: A unique sensory immersion and an incomparable spectacle of colours and smells.
Practical information
- Address : Place des Lices, 35000 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: Free access. Every Saturday from 7:30am to 1:30pm.
Learn more about the Tourist Office
The Open Fields 
Designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc, this building with its futuristic silhouette is the nerve center of Rennes' cultural scene. It brings together in one place the Museum of Brittany (which traces regional history), Science Center with its immersive planetarium, and a giant library on several levels offering suspended reading nooks.
Why visit Les Champs Libres?
- Strengths: An ideal hybrid venue for families, with panoramic views over the city rooftops.
Practical information
- Address : 10 Cours des Alliés, 35000 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: Museum ~€5. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 7pm.
Learn more on the official website
Saint Peter's Cathedral 
While its exterior may appear austere, crossing the threshold of Saint Peter's Cathedral is a truly striking visual experience. Completely redecorated in the 19th century in a flamboyant neoclassical style Inspired by Roman basilicas, it is full of gilded stucco, precious marbles and richly decorated murals.
Why visit St. Peter's Cathedral?
- Strengths: Its 16th-century Flemish altarpiece is a listed piece of religious goldsmithing.
Practical information
- Address : Rue de la Monnaie.
- Prices & opening hours: Free entry. Open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Learn more on the official website
The Museum of Fine Arts 
Housed in the former university palace on the banks of the Vilaine, this museum offers a An artistic journey through the centuries. You can also find there Egyptian artifacts that are masterpieces of classical painting (Georges de La Tour, Rubens) and modern movements. It is one of the richest provincial museums in France.
Why visit the Museum of Fine Arts?
- Strengths: The famous cabinet of curiosities of Christophe-Paul de Robien.
Practical information
- Address : 20 Quai Émile Zola, 35000 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: ~€5 (free on the first Sunday of the month). Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
Learn more on the official website
Champ-Jacquet Square 
This place is famous for its 17th-century timber-framed buildings which present a dizzying inclination. These houses appear to lean over the road, a consequence of the unstable ground during their construction. It's the perfect photographic spot to capture the aesthetic of "Old Rennes".
Why visit Place du Champ-Jacquet?
- Strengths: The picturesque and almost unreal charm of the colorful and twisted facades.
Practical information
- Address : Place du Champ-Jacquet, 35000 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: Free access.
Learn more about the Tourist Office
The Jacobins Convent 
This former 14th-century Dominican convent has had a thousand lives: place of worship, military barracks, then wasteland. Today, it has been transformed into a spectacular convention center which inserts a modern concrete and glass structure inside the historic walls. It regularly hosts internationally renowned contemporary art exhibitions.
Why visit the Jacobins Convent?
- Strengths: The beautifully restored cloister and the juxtaposition of heritage and modernity.
Practical information
- Address : 21 Place Sainte-Anne, 35000 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: Access according to the cultural program.
Learn more on the official website
The Rennes Opera House 
Opposite the City Hall, the Rennes Opera House is the’one of the smallest in France, but also one of the most original. Its curved facade echoes the curve of the town hall opposite. The interior is a classical Italian-style theatre with its red velvet and its gilding, but the programming there is resolutely geared towards openness and innovation.
Why visit the Rennes Opera House?
- Strengths: Its ceiling, painted by Jean-Julien Lemordant, is a luminous and dynamic work.
Practical information
- Address : 5 Place de la Mairie, 35000 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: From Tuesday to Friday from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. See the online ticket office.
Learn more on the official website
Rue Saint-Michel (Rue de la Soif)
This is the the narrowest and most famous street in Rennes. Lined with half-timbered houses that house almost exclusively bars, it embodies the festive and student-oriented face of the city. In the evening, the atmosphere is electric, while during the day, one can admire the architectural details of the medieval facades.
Why discover Rue Saint-Michel?
- Strengths: The pure energy of Rennes and the incredible concentration of historic houses.
Practical information
- Address : Rue Saint-Michel, 35000 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: Free entry. Comes alive from 6pm.
Learn more about the Tourist Office
Gayeulles Park 
With his 100 hectares of nature, It's the green lung of the city. Located north of Rennes, this park offers a complete escape from urban life. Here you'll find woods, ponds, an educational farm, and even sports facilities. It's the perfect spot for a group picnic or a relaxing afternoon.
Why visit the Gayeulles Park?
- Strengths: The diversity of landscapes (forest, meadow, lake) and leisure activities (tree climbing).
Practical information
- Address : Rue du Professeur Maurice Audin, 35700 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: Free entry. Open 24 hours a day.
Learn more about the Tourist Office
The City Hall 
Built after the great fire of 1720 by Jacques Gabriel (the King's architect), this building imposes its classic style. It consists of two wings connected by a clock tower. The inner courtyard often hosts events and offers a view of the balanced architecture facing the Opera House.
Why visit Rennes City Hall?
- Strengths: The "Rennes Pantheon", a room dedicated to the people of Rennes who fell for France.
Practical information
- Address : Town Hall Square, 35000 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: Exterior freely accessible. Interior can be visited via the Tourist Office.
Learn more about the Tourist Office
The FRAC Bretagne 
THE Regional Fund for Contemporary Art It is housed in a strikingly bold, monochrome building designed by Odile Decq. Inside, the spaces are fragmented and the walkways seem to float. The temporary exhibitions showcase emerging and established artists, making this a must-see creative hub.
Why visit the FRAC Bretagne?
- Strengths: The "rock" architecture of the building and the quality of the contemporary art exhibitions.
Practical information
- Address : 19 Avenue André Mussat, 35000 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: ~€2. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 7pm.
Learn more on the official website
The Bintinais Ecomuseum 
Located on the site of a former farm near Rennes, this ecomuseum traces five centuries of rural history. Visitors will discover the evolution of agriculture, peasant lifestyles and cider-making techniques. The outdoor area houses gardens and animals of protected Breton breeds.
Why visit the Bintinais Ecomuseum?
- Strengths: An exciting educational outing to understand the deep Breton identity.
Practical information
- Address : Route de Châtillon-sur-Seiche, 35200 Rennes.
- Prices & opening hours: Free. Open from 9am to 6pm (closed on Mondays).
Learn more on the official website
Visit Rennes in a group with France Bus
Visiting Rennes is a pleasure, but getting around in a group can quickly become a logistical challenge. Here's why Francebus is your ideal partner for this adventure:
A tailor-made service
Whether you arrive at Rennes-Saint-Jacques Airport or at the SNCF train station, we provide a direct transfer to your hotel or places of interest without the endless waiting of public transport.
Comfort and safety
Travel in modern vehicles, air-conditioned and maintained according to the strictest standards. You enjoy the Breton landscape while a professional driver handles the traffic.
Total flexibility
By choosing the bus rental with driver, You create your own itinerary. Would you like to spend more time in Thabor Park before going to the Marché des Lices? Your driver will be waiting for you.
Cost optimization
For seminars, school trips or weddings, Francebus offers a much more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution than using several individual cars.
A fleet tailored to your group
We offer a variety of vehicles to meet your needs, whether for small or large groups:
- Minivans: 8 seats
- Minibus: 19 seats
- Midibus: 35 seats
- Coaches: 49 seats and more
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Discover our fleet of vehicles.
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Bus rental in Rennes: travel with peace of mind in a group
Choosing Francebus means to make sure :
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