Rennes

Markets, museums, historical buildings and an interactive science center draw travelers to the center of this city in the serene Brittany countryside.

Rennes is the capital of the Brittany region in northwestern France. A large, spacious plaza in its center is surrounded by structures of great historical significance. Visit the many museums of art and history scattered around the city alongside parks, gardens and university buildings. The city hosts several annual music and film festivals.

Locate the Place des Lices in the town center. Due to its accessible and practical location, it is a popular meeting point for locals and travelers. Browse the market in the central square, which leads to Place Rallier-du-Baty. Majestic townhouses surround the plaza.

The Rennes Cathedral, which dates back to the sixth century, has a neoclassical design with two towers full of window displays and elegant decorations. Walk around the interior and gaze up at the elegant arched ceiling and columns on either side of the nave. It is also known as Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes.

Make your way to the 17th-century wonder, the Palais du Parlement de Bretagne, the last building to house Brittany’s old parliament. It now serves as the Courts of Appeal for the city of Rennes. The building’s grand design features a gray lower story, a white second floor and a roof decorated with gold spikes and statues.

Browse the vast archeological collection at the Musée de Bretagne from prehistoric to modern times. Discover the story of Alfred Dreyfus, a former army captain who was wrongly accused of a crime.

The museum shares a building with a grand library and the Espace des Sciences, a center that brings science to life with interactive exhibitions. Take the kids to Merlin’s Laboratory, where they can do their own experiments.

Uncover the fascinating history of Rennes before enjoying the picturesque Brittany countryside.