Unmissable sites in Rennes

Let us introduce you to the must-sees of Rennes. Follow the guide! 

>> Board thetrain to Rennes

• The Parliament of Brittany
• Parc du Thabor
• Les Champs Libres
• The Cathedral of Saint-Pierre
• Place des Lices and its outdoor market

You cannot say that you went to Rennes without having visited the Parliament of Brittany! Designed by Salomon Brosse, it was spared in the city’s great fire in 1720 but destroyed in another in 1994. However, following a local movement, private funds and a major restoration, it has been given a new lease of life.

Despite a relatively plain exterior, an architectural richness lies inside. Once through the door, the decor is worthy of a palace with its sculpted wood panelling, gilding and French-style ceilings. Be sure not to miss the Grand’Chambre, whose decor is the highlight of the palace.

In the summer, as darkness falls, the building is lit up by a spectacular display of illuminations. It is an absolute must-see. 

Take a step back from Breton history and enjoy a visit to Parc du Thabor. It’s definitely my favourite! 

When the sun shines, it is a real hint of paradise.  This former garden of the Benedictine monks of St. Melaine Abbey was redesigned by the famous 19th century landscaper, Denis Bühler. It is a pretty fusion of a French-style garden, an English-style park, a cave, bandstand, rose garden and more than 2000 varieties of plants!

Stroll along the waterways and admire the small waterfalls and fragrant flowers. Take the time to sit on a bench and marvel at all the charming features.

What a beautiful building! Les Champs Libres isn’t just a wonderful piece of architecture designed by Christian Portzamparc, it’s also an entire cultural centre. This innovative site houses the Museum of Brittany, the Espace des Sciences (science centre and planetarium), and the Library of Rennes Métropole.

It is a pretty assortment of exhibitions, installations, visual and digital art, and literary and artistic performances. This attraction is most certainly worth a visit.

With its classical style and 16th century history, the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre de Rennes is one of the nine historic cathedrals in Brittany.

Rebuilt with care between the 16th and 19th centuries, and restored between 2009 and 2014, this monument merits a visit even just for its facade, large stained glass windows, towers and columns. But if you go inside, you will find a Roman high altar and monumental church organs, as well as remarkable paintings and vaults. Make sure to see all the treasures this cathedral has to offer!

Historically outside the city walls, Place des Lices was used for military exercises until the early 18th century. In the Middle Ages, it was a battleground where knights clashed with spears, and later became a place of judicial executions. It was only in 1622 that, following the plague epidemic, the decision was made to turn it into a market to prevent the disease from entering the city.

Today, and for the past four centuries, it has hosted the Marché des Lices (an open-air market) on Saturday mornings, the second largest market in France. So, if you happen to be in Rennes on a Saturday morning, this is an event not to be missed. Come and meet the 300 or so producers, artisans and traders, and taste some local products. Make sure not to miss out on a traditional galette-saucisse!