Information About Rennes, Brittany
Previous stop: Betton
Alternative Location: 
Things to do in Rennes
Back to topWhy do we recommend stopping here?
Rennes is the regional capital of Brittany and is rich in architecture, with examples dating from the 16th century to the present day. It has a very pleasant old quarter where you will find a massive Saturday market which is claimed to be one of the largest in France. For serious shoppers, Rennes offers many boutiques alongside large stores, including Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, Hermès, Max Mara and Hugo Boss.
What is there to see?
The western end of rue de la Monnaie is the Portes Mordelaises, once part of the city’s ramparts. Around the corner is Cathédrale St-Pierre and nearby both Eglise St-Sauveur and Eglise St-Germain. Stroll around Jardin du Thabor in Rue du Paris. Its lush grounds house sculptures, fountains, a carousel and, bizarrely, the ‘caves from hell’. The rose garden alone boasts more than 1700 species. In July, you can catch an evening concert.
What can I visit?
The Musée des Beaux Arts (housed in the former university) has some excellent art galleries and specialises in impressionist views of Normandy by Boudin and Sisley but also owns works by Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. The Musée de Bretagne is housed in the same building.
Is this place famous for anything?
Rennes is the tiniest city in the world with a metro system! It has 15 stations in all measuring almost 10 kilometres long.
Do any famous people live here?
No
Insider Information
The most interesting bars and restaurants are just south of the Place St-Anne, towards the Place des Lices. Rues St-Michel and Penhoët are favoured by the in-crowd. Many Indian and other ethnic restaurants are to be found along rue St-Malo, just to the north, and also on rue St-Georges, near the place du Palais.
Is there a market day?
Just north of the Porte Mordelaise is the Place des Lices. This is the venue for France’s second biggest market every Saturday and offers the best in local Breton produce. Brilliantly-coloured stalls heave with flowers, fish, bread, books and bric-à-brac.
Is there a public swimming pool?
There are 4 municipal swimming pools - Piscine Bréquigny, 10, bd Albert 1er, Rennes; Piscine Saint-Georges, 2, rue Gambetta; Piscine Gayeulles, 16, avenue des Gayeulles, Rennes; Piscine de Villejean, 1, square d'Alsace, Rennes.
Is there a tourist office?
11 rue St Yves TEL 00 33 (0)2 99 67 11 11
Is there a golf course here or nearby?
Situated at the gateway to Rennes, Brittany’s capital city, La Freslonnière Golf Club offers you a quality course right in the heart of a century-old forest. The many rhododendron bushes and a wonderful variety of trees make it a delightful course that is sheltered from the wind. contact: Le Rheu - 35650 RENNES Tel. : 02 99 14 84 09 - Fax : 02 99 14 94 98
Are there any museums near here?
Musées des Beaux Arts et de Bretagne/Espace des Sciences/Expositions aux Champs Libres
Location: 10 cours des Alliés
Is there anything else worth mentioning?
Rennes offers good connections by rail with a Gare SNCF, bus station and the Métro - ideal for exploring further afield.
Eating and Drinking in Rennes
Back to topBest places to drink an aperitif?
There are many, many bars - we can recommend Le Café de la Paix at 1 place République Tel: 00 33 (0)2 99 79 47 11
Atmosphere: situated in the heart of the city and very elegant. Also a good place for a pizza
Budget restaurant
There are many restaurant and creperies in this busy city in a range of different styles and price bands
Moderately priced restaurant
La Petite Ferme
Address: 35 rue Poullain Duparc
Atmosphere: La Petite Ferme is decorated in the style of a typical farm of yesteryear. in the heart of Rennes. Fixed menus from around €15 per head and a children's menu
Cuisine: French cooking using regional produce, including Cancale Oysters
Speciality: Grilled and roasted meats
Opening Hours: open every day for lunch and dinner
Contact Details: Tel: 00 33 (0)2 99 65 15 15
Upmarket restaurant
Le Galopin
Address: 21 avenue Janvier (close to the railway station)
Atmosphere: The only 'brasserie de luxe' in the town with a welcoming atmosphere and great food. Good service and a seasonal menu. Mentioned in many well regarded guides, including Michelin. Booking recommended. English spoken.
Cuisine: local seafood, fish and meat, together with local specialities, including lobster.
Opening Hours: Closed Saturday lunchtime and all day Sunday
Contact Details: TEL 00 33 (0)2 99 31 55 96
Shopping in Rennes
Back to topSupermarket
Champion Supermarché, 20, Rue Isly, 35000 Rennes. Next to the Centre Commercial Colombia, close to the Charles de Gaulle Metro station
Next to the Centre Commercial Colombia, close to the Charles de Gaulle Metro station
Opening Hours: 09.00 - 20.00 Monday to Saturday
Supermarket
Champion Supermarché, 4, Rue Brest
4, Rue Brest
What other shops are there??
There is a huge range of shops in this busy city.
Practicalities at Rennes
Back to topMooring
We recommend mooring at Rennes during the day only for sightseeing and spending the night in a quieter location.
Can I get water here?
yes
Can I get fuel here?
no
Are there any waste pump facilities here?
no
Are there any public waste bins here?
Yes
Are there toilet/shower facilities here?
no
Is there a bank?
Banque de Bretagne, 18, Quai Duguay Trouin, close to Republique Metro Station. Credit Mutuel de Bretagne (CMB) , 30, Boulevard La Tour d'auvergne - close to Centre Commerical Colombia. Many others in the city centre
Is there an ATM?
Yes
Is there a post office?
Several: one very close to the République Metro station; another at 11, Place Ste Anne, again close to a Metro station
Is there a doctor?
It is best to call 15 or 112 on the telephone if you require a doctor
Is there a dentist?
Cabinet Dentaire, 24, Avenue Français Libres, tel: 99 30 74 93?
Is there a pharmacy?
Yes, lots for example Pharmacie de la Monnaie13, Rue Monnaie, Tel: 02 99 79 14 14, Pharmacie du Palais, 1, Place Parlement de Bretagne, Tel: 02 99 79 42 48, Pharmacie du Mail, 18, Mail François Mitterrand, Tel: 02 99 59 10 76 and many others
Is there a taxi company here?
TAXI LEMOINE Tel: 00 33 (0)6 81 32 90 10
Can I get internet access here?
CYBERNET ON LINE at 22 Rue St Georges
