Rennes: what to do, what to see...

Rennes reveals Brittany’s dynamic and festive side! Brought to life by a vibrant student population, its 2000 years of history have been preserved and restored, from the Parliament of Brittany to the many half-timbered houses of the old town. Here, gastronomy goes way beyond the famous « galette-saucisse » served at Lices Market, with a thriving restaurant and street food scene, local artisan beers and the ubiquitous Breton cider.

WHAT TO SEE

• The Parliament of Brittany building, one of the strongest symbols of Breton history
• The historical centre and the winding streets flanked by colourful half-timbered houses
• The 10 hectare Thabor Park, one of the most beautiful gardens in France
• The collection of works exhibited in the Museum of Fine Arts, from Antiquity to modern times
• 600,000 artefacts at the Brittany Museum retracing the history of Brittany and its people

WHAT TO DO

• The market in Lices Square every Saturday morning gathering 300 producers, artisans, craftsmen and traders
• The Piscine Saint-Georges, one of France’s most beautiful Art deco swimming pools
• Stade Rennais F.C. and its Roazhon Park Stadium part of the Breton capital's heritage
• A typically Breton game of Palet in a small square
• Shop from local designers of fashion, jewellery and accessories at the city's many concept stores

WHAT TO TASTE

• The Breton Sausage Galette, dating from the 19th Century
• Local speciality craft beers from microbreweries
• Kouign Amann butter cake, a traditional specialty
• Berton food from the many great restaurants, wine bars, bistros, brasseries, creperies, food trucks…
• Typical street food dishes from the food market

WHAT TO BRING BACK

• A "Rennais", "Rennaise" shirt by Morgane Suignard
• A fine bottle of Breton cider
• "A Rennes on est Breton" tote bags
• A red-and-black Stade Rennais F.C. souvenir
• The famous Kouign Amann butter cake

Getting to Rennes