Sightseeing in Rennes - what to see. Complete travel guide

The city is located in the western part of France. Rennes attracts tourists by its unique architecture and amazingly beautiful natural landscapes.

Start your observation of the city from its central area, where you will find numerous old buildings. Don’t forget to visit the cathedral, which construction took place in the 11th century. Episcopal Palace built in 1672 is another notable sight that deserves your attention. Town Hall and Palace of Parliament are the most famous sights of modern architecture. Don’t forget to attend these examples of modern designer thought. Portes Mordelaises is, of course, the most amazing and famous monument from the medieval times. It is worth noting that there are almost no modern buildings the city’s downtown. A significant part of buildings refers back to the 19th century, so walking here is really interesting. Tourists feel like they’ve been transported to several hundred years into the past.

Tabor is surely the most beautiful park of the city. It is located in the eastern part of Rennes. Here you will find a magnificent botanical garden, an ancient palace, as well as one of the modern hotels named Magellan.

The western part of Rennes is considered the most "modern" one. Here are located several large factories and industrial enterprises, as well as a new football stadium named after the local football team "Stade Rennais". Copyright www.orangesmile.com

One of the most famous attractions of Rennes is located in the city’s suburbs. We are talking about Ferme de la Bintinais. Here you can not only see various animals, but also visit Brittany Eco-museum, in which fascinating lectures and slide shows are conducted every day.

The city has preserved a number of old fortifications. The Duchenne tower stands out among them. It was built in the 15th century and was originally an integral part of the fortress wall. The tower got its name in honor of the city's main gatekeeper, Jean Duchenne. It had been serving as his home for many years. Over the years, the tower has repeatedly changed its purpose. In the 16th century it housed a city prison. Currently, the historic building is open for visiting. Excellent excursions take place there.

The historic Place des Lices is a favorite place to stroll around for visitors to Rennes. It is surrounded by spectacular old buildings, many of which feature hotels, restaurants, and shops nowadays. Several times a week, a large market runs there. One can purchase popular products and souvenirs.

No less picturesque is the Saint-Anna Square. Some historical sights are located nearby, as well. Beautiful Saint-Aubin church, built in the early 20th century, is considered the main site. It was constructed on the site of the destroyed old hospital, that had been operating far back as the 14th century. Nearby, is the building of the ancient Jakobin Monastery, which now houses a large conference center.

A unique architectural monument is the Basilica of Notre-Dame-en-Saint-Melaine. It was built in the 11th century and was originally located on the territory of a large Benedictine monastery. The transept and the tower of the church remain unchanged from the day of construction. Its archway is a sample of Gothic architecture of the 14th century. The colonnade was built much later, in the 17th century. One of the main decorations of the basilica is a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary, which crowns the bell tower. It was installed in the 19th century.

During the warm season, a French garden Jardin Botanique du Thabor would be a great place for walking. It was founded in the second half of the 19th century and initially occupied an area of about 10 hectares. Now, the garden occupies a much more impressive scale. On its territory, is a large greenhouse, a rose garden, and a poultry house. A lot of beautiful historical buildings and sculptures have been preserved in the garden, as well as the main promenade, which for more than 150 years has served as the main public entrance.