Rennes: top places to visit in the capital of the Brittany region

The heart of Rennes is the old town with narrow cobbled streets lined with elegant houses with typical Breton architecture. Many ancient buildings can be found here, such as the Parliament of Brittany, St. Peter's Cathedral and the Palace of the Dukes of Brittany. These sights give the city a truly medieval atmosphere.

Along with ancient buildings, you can find modern architectural masterpieces in Rennes. The most famous of them is the Rennes Opera House - a grand building in the postmodern style, which has become a real post card of the city. Its unusual design and dimensions impress everyone who comes to Rennes.

Train connection to and from Rennes

The Town Hall in Rennes

The Rennes Town Hall is one of the most outstanding architectural monuments of this city, located in the heart of the old town. It was built in the 18th century. The central element of the building is a majestic tower with a gilded spire, which shines in the sun and attracts the eyes of passers-by. The facade is decorated with a number of sculptures depicting allegorical figures symbolizing various spheres of city life - trade, justice, art, etc.

The entrance to the town hall is decorated with columns and arches, creating an impression of grandeur and solemnity. Inside the building, you can see luxurious interiors decorated with stucco, paintings and expensive furniture that match the style of the building.

The old Town

The Old Town is home to an incredible number of 16th-18th century buildings that impress with their unique wooden architecture. The narrow streets of the Old Town are surrounded by an atmosphere of antiquity and peace. Each house here is a real architectural masterpiece with intricate patterns of wooden beams, bay windows, balconies and other decorative elements.

Feel like you are in a medieval city - slow pace of life, cozy cafes and shops offering local delicacies and handicrafts. Here you can spend hours admiring the unique atmosphere of antiquity and the authenticity of architecture. The Old Town becomes especially charming at dusk, when the buildings are illuminated by the soft light of street lamps.

Mordelaise Gate (Portes Mordelaises)

Among the picturesque streets of the historic center of Rennes, like a watchtower, the ancient gate of Mordelez rises - a unique monument of fortification art of past centuries.

This monumental structure with powerful walls and a pyramidal roof dates back to the 15th century and is one of the few surviving fragments of Rennes' urban fortifications. Powerful stone blocks, steep arches and loopholes recreate the atmosphere of a medieval fortress. The combination of light stone and dark wooden structures emphasizes the severity and steadfastness of this building.

Place du Parlement de Bretagne (Place du Parlement de Bretagne)

Among the architectural gems of Rennes, a special place is occupied by the Place de la Parlement de Bretagne - one of the most impressive and historic places in the city. This spacious square is surrounded by majestic buildings in the Baroque style, giving it a solemn and representative appearance. The central dominant is the Palace of the Parliament of Brittany - a monumental building made of red brick, decorated with numerous decorative elements and statues.

Around the palace are located other notable architectural monuments - the town hall, the court and other historical buildings that create a harmonious ensemble.

Tabor Park (Parc du Thabor)

Tabor Park is an oasis of peace and greenery in the heart of Rennes - one of the most favorite places of rest for the citizens and guests of the city. Wide alleys, lined with ancient chestnut trees, lead visitors through the park, opening wonderful landscapes. The central attraction of the park is a huge lake on which you can ride boats. Cozy recreation areas with benches are located around the lake, where you can enjoy silence and tranquility. The historical component of the park is no less interesting. On its territory are the remains of medieval fortifications, as well as several monuments and sculptures.

Rennes Cathedral of Saint Peter (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes)

The cathedral, built in the late Gothic style, impresses with its slender towers reaching 77 meters in height. The facade of the temple is decorated with complex sculptural compositions, pointed arches and lace details.

The interior of the cathedral is no less impressive. Once inside, visitors find themselves under magnificent vaults supported by slender columns. The walls of the temple are decorated with paintings, stained glass windows and sculptures.

Street Saint-Michel (Rue Saint-Michel)

Rue Saint-Michel is one of the most attractive and lively streets in the old town of Rennes, which has retained its unique historical charm. This picturesque street, paved with cobblestones, stretches from Republic Square to the picturesque Turgot quarter. Here you can admire the traditional Breton architecture.

Rue Saint-Michel is famous for its diverse and colorful atmosphere. There are numerous cozy cafes, restaurants, souvenir and antique shops that attract both residents and tourists.

Rennes Planetarium (Planétarium de Rennes)

In the heart of Rennes, on the territory of the Science and Technology Park, the Rennes Planetarium is located. This is one of the most exciting and innovative astronomical institutions in the region. This modern science center impresses with its architecture - a large domed building with characteristic metal structures and large windows that seem to reflect the starry sky. The heart of the planetarium is a huge dome-shaped hall, where high-tech equipment is installed to demonstrate exciting astronomical shows. In addition to the main hall, the planetarium also offers visitors interactive exhibitions, lectures and educational classes where they can expand their knowledge about space.

Saint George's Palace and Garden

The Palace of Saint George is one of the most famous sights of Rennes, the capital of Brittany, in the north-west of France. This majestic building, built in the 18th century, is the seat of the regional parliament of Brittany.

The palace impresses with its grandeur and elegance of architecture. Its facade is decorated with columns and sculptures.

Saint-Georges pool

The Saint-Georges basin is a large rectangular reservoir surrounded by majestic buildings of the 18th century. This place was built in 1735 as part of the water system that supplied water to the city. Today, the pool serves not only a functional, but also an aesthetic purpose - it has become a popular place for recreation and meetings among local residents and tourists.

## Central covered market in Rennes

The central covered market in Rennes is a fascinating place that is the real heart of the city. Located in the heart of Rennes, this majestic market complex is a favorite with locals and tourists alike.

Here you can buy the best local delicacies, farm products, fresh baked goods, flowers and much more. Each row and pavilion offers a unique assortment of products, creating the atmosphere of a real gastronomic paradise.