Part medieval powerhouse and part buzzing student city, Brittany's capital is as renowned for its rich heritage as its lively nightlife. A warren of cobbled lanes and timber-framed buildings mark the remainder of Rennes' historic quarter—mostly destroyed by a 1720 fire—and walking tours reveal highlights such as the Breton parliament building and the Thabor gardens. Rennes' thriving cultural scene also serves up enough art museums, festivals, and bars to keep travelers entertained, but a day trip to the nearby Mont St. Michel is easily one of the best things to do in Rennes.
With such a large student population, it’s not surprising that Rennes has a lively festival agenda. Mythos (early April) is one of the best, and it’s also refreshing to have such a large festival before the season has kicked off elsewhere. Lasting for 10 days, the main focus at Mythos is music, but there’s also plenty of live theater, great food trucks, and tents—this is France, after all.
In the historical old center, take the time to flâne (wander in an unhurried and aimless way). Make sure that you stop at one of the city’s excellent crêperies. On Saturdays, don’t miss the open-air food and flower market, Marché des Lices, where crêpes and galettes are on sale, too. Rennes has a reliable Metro network. There’s just two lines, but in a city of this size, these link most of the main attractions.
Rennes is a green city, but if you’re craving nature, head to Parc des Gayeulles, a vast, peri-urban park with plenty of trails for running. There’s a small farm, a skate park, an ice rink, and a herd of deer living in the woods. City farm Ecomusée de la Bintinais is another great way to connect with nature and discover traditional Breton farming methods. Meet cow herders, pet horses, and hold baby lambs there.
