Visit Rennes

Rennes is one of the jewels not to be missed when you discover Brittany. Located at the confluence of the region's key destinations, it knows how to delight the most demanding visitors. Sparkling, with an abundant heritage and a brilliant history, it also offers you a warm welcome. Are you planning to visit Rennes and its treasures? B&B HOTELS offers you an itinerary to discover its historical and cultural sites, but also its fun activities to share.

Stroll through the historic centre

What to do in Rennes to experience its gentle way of life? Strolling through the historic centre in search of its nuggets will allow you to soak up the soothing atmosphere of the city. It offers many cobbled streets and charming little squares, privileged witnesses to the region's rich history.

Make your solemn entry into the city like a Breton sovereign before his coronation by passing through the sumptuous Portes Mordelaises. These are the rare remains of the 15th century ramparts and the main gate of the city. Then walk the cobbled streets that will lead you to the splendid Place des Lices and its mansions. In the Middle Ages, it was the scene of knights' tournaments and also housed the pillory on which criminals were exposed.

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Then take the prettiest alley in the city: the rue du chapitre. The great diversity of architectural styles and the irregular layout of this street give it a very special charm so appreciated by the locals. You will discover colorful half-timbered houses, shops, but also some excellent restaurants in Rennes.

The emblematic sites to visit in Rennes

In addition to an irresistible charm, Rennes offers beautiful points of interest that will delight lovers of art and history. The richness of its heritage is a source of delight for visitors on a trip to Rennes.

Head to Saint-Pierre Cathedral, witness to the city's key episodes. This is where the coronation of many dukes and duchesses of Brittany took place. There is practically nothing left of the original 4th century cathedral which was completely destroyed and then rebuilt. However, admire the neoclassical style of the building, its Ionic columns, its beautiful coffered vault and its treasure room.

The city of Rennes was devastated by a terrible fire in 1720. It was on this occasion that the town hall was rebuilt by the king's 1st architect: Jacques Gabriel. Two perfectly symmetrical pavilions surround a tower topped with a bulbous bell tower. The building, which blends classical and baroque architecture, is an example of elegance. Directly opposite, the rotunda facade of the Opera echoes that of the town hall. Two monumental granite staircases lead to the performance hall located upstairs, harmoniously marrying the shape of the rotunda.

Not far away, the Parliament of Brittany, also survivor of a terrible fire, stands proudly in the centre of a vast square. It is surmounted by splendid allegories of Justice, Strength, Law and Fame shining brightly. The magnificent sculpted coffered ceilings were shipped by boat from Paris. Inside, discover the gilded woodwork, painted canvases and Gobelins tapestries.

At the Museum of Fine Arts, you will be dazzled by the splendours of all eras since Antiquity. Linger in front of the paintings by Veronese, Rubens, Georges de La Tour, Caillebotte or Picasso. To prolong the pleasure, go to the Champs Libres, a cultural centre that houses the Museum of Brittany and the Espace des Sciences. A pleasure for the curious of all ages.

Activities to escape

Lovers of good food and natural spaces will be delighted during the visit to the city of Rennes. Don't miss the Lices market on Saturday morning to discover local producers. It is indeed one of the largest and most beautiful markets in France.

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A stroll along the quays along the Vilaine canal is an opportunity to admire superb buildings with richly decorated facades. Why not rent a bike and explore the surrounding area? Rennes is at the heart of a network of 2,000 km of cycle routes to go to Redon, Saint-Malo or even Nantes by bike.

The city also has magnificent parks and gardens like the Thabor park. Classified as a remarkable garden, it includes a French garden, a bandstand, an aviary and a splendid rose garden.

Where to sleep in Rennes: our addresses

B&B HOTELS is the hotel chain in Rennes that will meet all your expectations. Are you looking for a hotel room in Rennes to visit the must-see places on foot? Opt for a hotel in the centre of Rennes, a hotel near old Rennes or a hotel near Place de l'Hôtel de Ville in Rennes. Indeed, the historic centre can be easily explored on foot. At B&B HOTELS, we have several hotels with parking in Rennes to allow you to drop off your vehicle: B&B HOTEL Rennes Est Cesson-Sévigné, B&B HOTEL Rennes Sud Chantepie, B&B HOTEL Rennes Nord Saint-Grégoire or B&B HOTEL Rennes Ouest Villejean. You can then circulate freely through the typical alleys and squares, on foot or by bike.

At B&B HOTELS, each hotel in Rennes has a strategic position. For late arrivals, we have thought of hotel services in Rennes to simplify your life. Thus, in case of arrival outside the opening hours of the reception of your hotel in Rennes, you can reach your room thanks to the automatic room dispenser.

Then continue your exploration of the region from a hotel near Rennes train station. You will have the choice of destination: Saint-Malo, Dinard, Brest, Nantes or Vannes. Create your itinerary and book one of our hotels in Brittany to extend the pleasure. We have some nice surprises in store for you throughout the year with our hotel offers in Rennes guaranteeing always very low prices.

In transit in the red city? Simplify the logistics of your trip by booking a hotel near Rennes airport. Ideally located, our B&B HOTEL Rennes Parc Expo Aéroport in Bruz is located only 2 minutes by car from the airport.