Digital Collage Workshop
A playful workshop in Rennes to understand the environmental impact of the digital world.
PlizioGo
A grilled sausage wrapped in a buckwheat crepe, traditionally eaten at the market.
An extremely buttery and caramelized Breton cake found in local bakeries.
Always pair your galettes with a bowl of local Breton cider.
The main shopping street with many big brands and department stores.
Around this square, you will find smaller shops featuring local design and crafts.
One of the most beautiful gardens in France, featuring a rose garden, an aviary, and a French garden.
The paths along the river offer a peaceful environment for walks away from the traffic.
Water temperature…
Rennes serves as the historic capital of Brittany in northwestern France, situated at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers. The city is renowned for its animated academic atmosphere, hosting over 60,000 students across several prestigious universities. Much of the medieval city center was lost during the devastating Great Fire of 1720, leading to a significant reconstruction effort in the classical style using granite and limestone. Nevertheless, numerous magnificent half-timbered houses remain in the district surrounding the Saint-Pierre Cathedral. One of the most prominent landmarks is the Palais du Parlement de Bretagne, a symbol of regional identity and judicial history. In recent decades, Rennes has evolved into a major hub for digital innovation and telecommunications, consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in France. Cultural life is anchored by institutions like Les Champs Libres, which integrates a library, museum, and planetarium. With its efficient VAL metro system, Rennes was one of the smallest cities in the world to implement a fully automated subway. The city uniquely blends Breton traditions with a contemporary urban lifestyle. Rennes continued in 2024-2025 to grow as a major tech hub of western France, with metro line B fully operational.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 70 | 56 | 59 | 46 | 61 | 53 | 51 | 51 | 43 | 74 | 76 | 80 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day in the heart of Rennes at Place des Lices, where half-timbered houses tell the city's story. Walk through the majestic Mordelaises Gates and admire Saint-Pierre Cathedral. At midday, immerse yourself in Brittany's political history at the Palais du Parlement, a 17th-century architectural gem. Enjoy a break in the surrounding cobbled streets. The afternoon is for art at the Museum of Fine Arts, followed by a relaxing stroll in Thabor Park, one of France's most beautiful gardens with its aviaries and rose gardens. End the day in the lively Sainte-Anne district, where the medieval atmosphere comes alive over a typical Breton dinner.
Start your morning at the covered Lices market halls to stay dry. The walk through the old town leads to the sheltered Cathedral, a perfect spot to escape the rain. Spend a long afternoon exploring the Museum of Fine Arts. Conclude the day in the cozy, covered terraces of Place Sainte-Anne with a hot drink.
Experience the crisp winter air in the morning at Place des Lices. The historical center glows in the soft, low winter sunlight. Thabor Park offers a calm, frosty backdrop for a stroll before it gets dark early. End the day with a hot cider near Place Sainte-Anne as the city lights come on.
Explore Rennes on two wheels, starting at the Ille-et-Rance Canal, where the towpaths are flat and picturesque. Cycle to the Prairies Saint-Martin for a nature break. At midday, reach Thabor Park. Park your bike and enjoy a picnic under the century-old trees before heading to the modern architecture of Les Champs Libres. The afternoon leads you out of the center to Étang d'Apigné via the Vilaine bike path. A perfect route to discover the rural side of Rennes. End your tour at the Roazhon Park stadium, a symbol of local pride, before a leisurely return to the city center.
A refreshing ride along the Ille-et-Rance Canal despite the rain. Seek shelter in the Saint-Martin Meadows if the showers get too heavy. Spend the afternoon at Les Champs Libres, the perfect place for a dry break. The ride to Apigné Lake requires good rain gear but rewards you with a dramatic view.
A brisk start along the frozen canal in the morning. Saint-Martin Meadows look almost magical in the hoarfrost. Warm up in the library of Les Champs Libres before heading to the windy Apigné Lake. The ride back passes Roazhon Park as the winter sun disappears early behind the horizon.
By car, you can discover the treasures around Rennes. Start with a quick tour of the center before heading to charming Bécherel, the village of books. At midday, explore romanticism at the Château de Combourg, the cradle of French literature. The drive through the Breton countryside is relaxing. The afternoon leads you to the legendary Brocéliande Forest. Walk in the footsteps of Merlin and King Arthur among ancient oaks. Return to Rennes in time to enjoy the sunset from one of the viewpoints in the north of the city.
A rainy day is perfect for exploring the surroundings by car. Discover Rennes center comfortably before driving to Bécherel, the book town, where you can browse cozy shops while it pours outside. Combourg Castle offers a mystical backdrop in the grey weather. End the day with a panoramic view of rainy Rennes from your car.
Start with a warm drive through wintery Rennes. The trip to Bécherel leads through a calm, frosty landscape. At Combourg Castle, a cold wind blows from the lake, making the visit feel especially historic. Brocéliande looks magical in the winter mist. The day ends with a panorama of the lit-up city in the early dark.
Designed by Jacques Gabriel in the 18th century, this Baroque building features a curved facade and a clock tower in the heart of the city.
This 14th-century Dominican monastery has been transformed into a modern convention center while preserving its Gothic architecture.
