City of Rennes

Nicknamed the capital of Brittany, the city of Rennes is an unmissable destination to soak up Breton charm. Its delicious gastronomy, remarkable heritage and the hospitality of the hosts will leave you with a sparkling memory. Would you like to experience the gentle way of life in Rennes? B&B HOTELS takes you through the charming streets of this dynamic and welcoming city. You will find in this guide all the information to plan a dream stay.

Rennes: city of art and history

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Rennes has crossed the centuries while preserving magnificent architectural treasures. The small Gallic village of Condate, which means “confluence”, takes its name from the location of the original city: between the Ille river and the Vilaine river. Rennes developed in the 2nd century BC. J.-C. and became famous in the 11th century, by opposing Norman expansion. It gradually appears as the capital of Brittany.

The city is adorned with ramparts in the 15th century. It then suffered a devastating fire in 1720 which destroyed almost the entire historic center and half of the city. It was rebuilt by the king's 1st architect with a mixture of classical and baroque architecture that you will admire during your walks. Qualified as the “Cradle of Liberty” during the French Revolution, it was the scene of the first clashes between the people and the representatives of the nobility. In 1899, it hosted the 2nd trial of Captain Dreyfus which earned us Émile Zola's unforgettable “J’accuse”. 

Today, the city is more dynamic than ever. Located only 1 hour 30 minutes from Paris thanks to the high-speed line, it enhances its architecture and highlights its many assets.

A city with a strong cultural identity

Are you planning a trip to Rennes? This city with amazing cultural dynamism has delicious surprises in store for you.

Rich and varied architecture

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Are you wondering what to do in Rennes during a weekend? Stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town to discover its magnificent heritage: walk along the imposing ramparts, cross the Mordelaises Gates and stroll through the pretty little squares. Then admire the charming half-timbered houses and the elegant mansions bordering the Place des Lices.

The Jacobins convent in the heart of the city center houses the convention center, but also the tourist office. You will find guides, tips and information on the accessibility of places to visit. 

The 12,000 classified buildings reflect the diversity of remarkable sites to discover when you want to visit Rennes. Opt for a hotel near old Rennes to have the points of interest in the immediate vicinity.

Gastronomy

Lovers of good food will be delighted in Rennes. Local gastronomy is an excellent opportunity to taste the delights of the Breton terroir. The offer of restaurants in Rennes is rich enough to satisfy your every desire: from a gourmet dinner to a typical meal in a bistro to a gourmet break. You can taste the traditional galette-saucisse at the splendid Rennes market or linger over a succulent crêpe on the terrace of a crêperie.

The gentle way of life in Rennes

The people of Rennes are aware of all the assets of their region and have wonderfully showcased them. Sports and outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted to take the various hiking trails or canoe in the Vilaine valley. They will also have a wide choice of routes to take by bike to discover the beauties of the Metropolis. Another nice surprise: the guinguettes with a friendly spirit. Located by the water, in a park or on a farm, they often become the scene of a show or concert.

There is no shortage of ideas for outings in Rennes. Two cinemas offer an original program of art and experimental works: the Ciné-TNB and the Arvor. Do you prefer contemporary art? Head to the old fish market to discover the artistic forms of today and tomorrow.

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Festivals are also very numerous throughout the year. They testify to the artistic effervescence of the city. The Rencontres Trans Musicales, bringing together up to 60,000 people each year, are an opportunity to highlight the musical scene of tomorrow. To take full advantage of it, we advise you to stay in a hotel with parking in Rennes: the B&B HOTEL Rennes Parc Expo Aéroport. This hotel near Rennes airport benefits from a privileged location in front of the Rennes Exhibition Park.
 

Where to stay in the city of Rennes?

Looking for a hotel room in Rennes, are you wondering which district to choose? A human-sized city, the easiest way to get around in Rennes remains walking: in the historic center, the circulation of pedestrians and cyclists is favored. This is why we advise you to favor a hotel near the center of Rennes or a hotel near Rennes city hall square. 

For a successful stay, we have selected for you our best hotels in Rennes combining comfort and modernity:

• B&B HOTEL Rennes Est Cesson Sévigné;
• B&B HOTEL Rennes Ouest Villejean;
• B&B HOTEL Rennes Nord Saint-Grégoire;
• B&B HOTEL Rennes Sud Chantepie.

The metro, buses and trains also offer a dense transport network to facilitate all your travel. Staying in a hotel near Rennes train station offers you the opportunity to travel throughout the Breton country: Saint-Malo, Dinard, Brest, Nantes or Vannes. B&B HOTELS also includes a beautiful panel of hotels in Brittany to extend the pleasure of the holidays.

Would you like to find a hotel in Rennes for a stopover of several days? B&B HOTELS is the hotel chain in Rennes that offers establishments that are both comfortable and inexpensive. Whether you are staying with us for a business meeting or for a romantic weekend, you will enjoy pleasant rooms at low prices. Discover, in addition, the many services of your hotel in Rennes, designed for your comfort.

Discover the many hotel offers in Rennes offered throughout the year to help you save money. For optimal comfort, arrival at the hotel is completely autonomous. Thanks to the automatic distributor, it is no longer necessary to go through the hotel reception in Rennes if you arrive outside opening reception hours.