For your next weekend in Brittany or on the occasion of a Normandy-Brittany circuit, you wish visit Rennes in 1 day. And, to make the most of it, you prefer to visit all must-sees in Rennes following a little walking tour. So maybe you will be interested in my Rennes city tour route which is done on foot in 1 day and following the interactive map available below.
Where is Rennes located?
For foreign tourists who do not have a good idea of the city of Rennes in France, I would like to point out that Rennes is located in the North-West of France in the heart of Britain of which it is the capital.
Its location is ideal for visiting Brittany, especially since it has an airport just 10 minutes from the city center.
It is also well served by the train that takes you there from all the major cities of France. But taking the train in Rennes also allows you to quickly go to the largest sites in Brittany (Saint Malo, Saint Brieuc, Quimper, Lorient, Vannes, etc.).
And for those who prefer the car, from Rennes by road, it will take you 50 minutes to go to Saint-Malo and Redon and 1 hour to Saint-Brieuc and Vannes.
How to visit Rennes?
Visit the most beautiful places in Rennes can be done easily in 1 day. Indeed, all the must-see tourist sites are concentrated in the old town of Rennes. Therefore, a walking tour is ideal for visit Rennes in 1 day. Of course, if you have a full weekend, you can also take a cruise on the Vilaine, discover more museums, go shopping or a gastronomic tour ...
Rennes' must-see tour in 1 day
To fix the stages of my city tour, here is my list of unmissable sites of Rennes :
- La Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
- The Portes Mordelaises
- The Place and the Lices Market
- Rue Saint Michel
- The Rue Pont aux Foulons
- The Town Hall square
- Rennes Opera House
- The Parliament of Brittany
- St. George's Palace
- Thabor Park
- Museum of Fine Arts
Rennes tour in 1 day - Map of my walking route
Click on "More options" in the map to follow the GPS
Rennes tour in 1 day - Stages of my itinerary
Visit Rennes on foot - Saint-Pierre Cathedral
My tour starts from Saint-Pierre Cathedral. It is located in the heart of the historic center where its two towers peak at 50 meters in height. Many times rebuilt, renovated in very different styles, its history is linked to that of the Dukes of Brittany who came to be crowned there. Listed as a historical monument since 1906, its interior style is surprising and admirable.
Visit Rennes on foot - Les Portes Mordelaises
In the Middle Ages, a rampart was built, vestiges of which are still present in places. It was between 1442 and 1452 that the Portes Mordelaises or Porte Mordelaise (both terms are used) were rebuilt at the entrance to the city to protect it against new threats. It is today the only vestige of the old fortifications of the city of Rennes.
Visit Rennes on foot - The historic center
To discover the small cobbled streets, the half-timbered houses, the colored facades of the half-timbered houses, you will have to stroll through the streets of Saint Sauveur, Chapter, Pont au Foulons and the famous Rue de la Soif.
Visit Rennes on foot - Rue Saint-Michel
The street of thirst is the nickname given to the Saint-Michel street from Rennes. It is a typical street which comes alive especially at night because it is the festive gathering place of Rennes. This is due to the high concentration of bars and restaurants on this street. This does not detract from the charm of this street which features many typical half-timbered houses.
City tour of Rennes - Place des Lices
It is a very busy and popular square in Rennes. Surrounded by large and beautiful half-timbered houses, this square is home to the Baltard-style Martenot market halls and numerous terraces of bars and restaurants.
This is where the Lices market takes place every Saturday morning.
City tour of Rennes - The market of the place des Lices
2th largest market in France, this market has existed for more than 4 centuries. Every Saturday from 7:30 am to 13:30 pm, it brings together more than 300 local producers who bring happiness to Rennes and local restaurateurs. I invite you to go early enough to discover all the good products of Brittany (oysters, shellfish, fish, poultry, pork, fruit and vegetables) but also some Breton specialties such as pancakes, pancakes and the famous Kouign-Amann.
City tour of Rennes - Town Hall and Opera
It was in 1720 that the Town Hall was built after the great fire in Rennes. It was the architect Jacques Gabriel who decided to combine the Town Hall, the Presidial and the Clock Tower into a single building.
It is necessary to discover the small Pantheon there which is a room decorated with marble where are engraved the name of all the Rennes people who died in the fighting for France (free visit).
Opposite the Town Hall is the Rennes Opera House. If it is small in size, it is original in its slightly curved shape which thus harmonizes with the shape of the Town Hall.
City tour of Rennes - The Parliament of Brittany
Symbol of Rennes and Brittany, architectural work of the 17th century, the Parliament of Brittany had almost disappeared during a fire in 1994. Seat of the Parliament until 1790, it serves today as court of justice and is open to the public. sightseeing tours.
Rennes in 1 day - Palais Saint-Georges
Without going to visit it, just passing by, you can admire this former Benedictine abbey, founded in the XNUMXth century. This majestic building which stands proudly in the middle of the century-old park and today serves as administrative offices for the municipality of Rennes.
Rennes in 1 day - Le Parc du Thabor
To take a break in the countryside, here is one of the must-sees in Rennes: the Parc du Thabor. On approximately 10 hectares, this park exhibits several styles of gardens, ponds, waterfalls, rose gardens ...
Rennes in 1 day - The Museum of Fine Arts
My tour ends with a touch of culture. At the Rennes Museum of Fine Arts, you can discover works from all eras, from Antiquity to the present day. You will be able to admire works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt or even Donatello.
Which hotel to choose in Rennes?
For a weekend in the heart of old Rennes, the ideal accommodation is the Marnie and Mister H.
Indeed, you will stay in a beautiful 16th century mansion in the historic center of Rennes, just 220 meters from the République metro station and 600 meters from the Musée des Beaux-Arts. It is a remarkable place and a place conducive to relaxation with a large fireplace for the winter and a garden for the summer. The bonus is its private parking!
More information about this hotel
Which Airbnb to choose in Rennes?
For fans of Airbnb rentals, here is the accommodation I could recommend. It is located 200 meters from the Rennes train station and has just been renovated. Its main asset is its geographical location close to bars, restaurants, theater, shops, which does not prevent it from being calm (quiet area).
If you prefer to choose another apartment, do not hesitate to consult Airbnb because the offer is generous and diverse in Rennes:
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