6 expériences à faire lors d’un séjour à Rennes

The capital of Brittany has many secrets waiting to be discovered and is the perfect destination for a short getaway. Its historic centre is well worth exploring, and although Rennes is about much more than its architectural heritage, its markets, gardens and gastronomy all contribute to the city’s unique identity. What’s more, Rennes is easy and enjoyable to explore on foot — even in the rain! In this article, discover six different places that are well worth visiting during your stay.

Thabor Park

Located just a short walk from the historic centre, Thabor Park is a particularly pleasant place for a stroll. Travellers arriving by train can leave their suitcases at a luggage storage facility in Rennes, allowing them to explore the city more easily without having to carry their bags around. These storage facilities are also fully secure, so visitors can enjoy their day with complete peace of mind.

Thabor Park covers more than 10 hectares and combines several different landscaping styles, including a formal French garden and an English-style park, as well as a botanical garden and a rose garden. It is the perfect place for a relaxing walk on a sunny day or an opportunity to learn more about botany.

The Parliament of Brittany

The Parliament of Brittany is a must-see when visiting Rennes, as it is one of the city’s most iconic monuments. Although the building still serves a judicial function and houses the Court of Appeal, it is nevertheless open to visitors as part of organised guided tours.

One of its highlights is the Grand’Chambre, a particularly impressive room featuring elaborate woodwork, gilded decoration and magnificent fully painted coffered ceilings.

Saint Peter’s Cathedral of Rennes

From almost anywhere in Rennes, the cathedral’s two towers are easy to spot. Although its façade is relatively understated, the interior is richly decorated, and visitors are quickly drawn to its organs, vaulted ceilings and paintings.

Guided tours are available and provide an opportunity to learn more about the many treasures housed within this remarkable building.

Hôtel de Blossac

Located just a few steps from the cathedral, the Hôtel de Blossac offers a distinctive example of Rennes’ architectural heritage. Built between 1728 and 1732 for the Blossac family, this private mansion was constructed just a few years after the devastating fire of 1720, which destroyed a large part of the city.

Its architecture illustrates how the appearance of Rennes changed during the 18th century. Neighbourhoods that escaped the fire still contain numerous medieval half-timbered houses, while more recent buildings were mainly constructed from stone and adopted a more classical architectural style.

Walking through this area therefore offers visitors the opportunity to discover, within just a few hundred metres, two very different periods in Rennes’ urban history.

Palais Saint-Georges

The façade of the Palais Saint-Georges is distinguished by its tall arcades and two upper floors built from tuffeau stone. At the centre of the building, the pediment still displays the coat of arms of the former abbey, surrounded by allegorical figures representing Justice and Peace.

Today, the palace houses municipal offices, but visitors mainly come to admire its impressive architecture.

In front of the building, the formal French gardens enhance the perspective and provide a welcome place to stop during a walk through the city. The Palais Saint-Georges is also worth visiting in the evening, when the illuminated façade highlights the building’s architectural lines and creates an atmosphere quite different from that of the daytime.

Place des Lices

To round off your exploration of Rennes with a delicious treat, head to Place des Lices in the heart of the historic centre. It is one of the liveliest places in the city and hosts its famous market every Saturday morning. This trading tradition dates back more than four centuries.

Under the Martenot market halls and around the square, stalls are filled with fruit and vegetables, fish, cheeses, cured meats, Breton products and many other regional specialities.

It is also the perfect place to try the famous galette-saucisse, one of Rennes’ most iconic local specialities.