If you’re looking for a weekend break full of charm, history and life, Rennes is the place to go. The capital of Brittany, this French city combines the perfection of its medieval heritage with a casual modernity, as reflected in its cultural life, its cuisine and its vibrant student scene.
Rennes is not just a city worth a day trip when staying on the Brittany coast, but a destination in its own right. Come with us on this 24-hour tour to explore its most iconic sights!
Saturday: discovering the essence of Rennes
Morning: a stroll through the old town
We start the day off at Place des Lices, the heart of Brittany’s largest market, bursting with life every Saturday morning with its stalls selling fresh produce, artisan cheeses, oysters and, of course, the classic galette-saucisse (a kind of Breton hot dog wrapped in a buckwheat crêpe).
From here, we make our way to Saint-Pierre Cathedral, one of the city’s true gems with a delightfully elaborate interior. Our route then takes us into the cobbled streets of the old town, where we find half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, such as those on Rue du Chapitre or in Place Champ-Jacquet, offering us a great photo opportunity.
Midday: lunch with the flavour of Brittany
For lunch, we visit one of the traditional crêperies in the Sainte-Anne district. Crêperie La Saint-Georges is one of our favourites, where you can enjoy an authentic galette de blé noir, a buckwheat pancake filled with local ingredients such as cheese, ham, mushrooms and egg. For dessert, nothing beats a caramel crêpe with salted butter, washed down with a glass of Breton cider.
Afternoon: art, culture and gardens
We’re devoting the afternoon to art and culture, and our first stop is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses a collection ranging from Renaissance paintings to contemporary works. We then make our way to Les Champs Libres, a cultural centre including a museum, library and temporary exhibitions. If you fancy a stroll in the fresh air, the Parc du Thabor is ideal for taking some time out among the rose gardens and fountains.
Evening: dinner and a party atmosphere
As evening approaches, Rennes reveals its livelier side. For dinner, we recommend La Taverne de la Marine, a classic venue for enjoying the finest seafood and typical dishes such as cotriade (Breton fish soup). We can then soak up the atmosphere of Rue Saint-Michel, known as “the street of thirst” due to the number of bars.
Sunday: nature and shopping before we leave
Morning: a spot of nature
After a night of partying, on Sunday we start off with a quiet breakfast at Café Albertine, a welcoming place where the speciality coffee is the perfect accompaniment to freshly-baked croissants. We then make our way to the Canal Saint-Martin, ideal for a morning stroll along tree-lined paths and past the barges.
Midday: shopping and goodbye
Before we leave, we spend a bit of time shopping. On Rue le Bastard and its neighbouring streets we can find independent boutiques, gift shops and the indoor market Les Halles Centrales, where we can buy some gourmet products such as Breton biscuits and salted butter to take home with us.
To add the finishing touch to our weekend, we have lunch at Bistro Volney, where we can try the classic filet de bar (sea bass) with cider sauce. And so, with the taste of Brittany in our mouths, we say goodbye to Rennes.
Practical tips for your visit
- Best time to go: spring and autumn, due to the pleasant climate and fewer tourists.
- Prices: meals in Rennes are reasonable; a fixed-price menu in a good restaurant costs between 20 and 30 euros. Accommodation ranges from 70 euros in medium-category hotels to 150 euros in more exclusive establishments.
- Nearby excursions: If you have enough time, visit the medieval town of Dinan, or Saint-Malo, the corsair gem on the shores of the Atlantic.
Rennes has captured our hearts with its mix of history, modernity and Breton savoir-vivre. Come and discover it for yourself! À bientôt!
