Travel to Rennes

Travel to Rennes

The city of Rennes has been the capital of Brittany since the 16th century and with a fascinating medieval quarter and some stunning buildings, its an interesting place to visit. The city is relatively small with a population of just over 200,000 and the major attractions are easily navigated on foot or by the citys good public transport network.

Transportation to Rennes

Rennes is situated in the north west of France and has good rail and road links with the rest of the country. The city is served by the high speed TGV train and is less than four hours drive from Paris. Rennes airport has flights to Southampton and Dublin, as well as domestic flights. Another option is to fly with Ryanair to Dinard, just over an hour away. There is a good public transport network within the city with buses and metros serving most of the main attractions.

What to see

The medieval quarter is a must see on any visit to Rennes with some beautiful medieval houses. St Peters Cathedral and the Parliament of Brittany are popular places to visit while the Saint-Germain Church has some superb stained glass windows. The city has a few good museums and galleries, with two of them located in the Rennes Cultural Centre, which is certainly worth a visit. The Museum of Fine Arts will keep art fans interested with a good range of exhibits dating back as far as the 12th century. For some relaxation head to the Park of Thabor and relax while enjoying one of Frances best parks.

Day trips

There is some stunning countryside in the surrounding area and it is a good idea to hire a care and explore. The Brittany coastal towns are easily reached by road and it is a beautiful area to visit, with towns like Dinan, Carnac, Guidel, and Finistre all popular.

Activities and leisure

There is plenty to see and do in Rennes with some good shopping and a decent music and theatre scene, as well as an opera house with a good range of traditional and contemporary productions. Golfers should definitely consider heading to the Cice Blossac Golf Resort just outside the town where there is an excellent 18-hole golf course, and the Gastronomique Golf option is something of a unique way to enjoy the game.

Safety issues

Rennes is a relatively safe and hassle free place to visit, but usual common sense rules apply. As with most places, there is the possibility of pickpockets and bag snatchers operating at the main tourist attractions, so keep your bag close to you and consider using a hotel safe for valuables. Although problems are rare, a good travel insurance policy is a pre-requisite for any trip.