Rennes

Capital of Brittany, city of Art and History, Rennes is a fantastic architectural treasure: from medieval and Renaissance houses to majestic classical buildings. The historic center is pleasant to explore with its typical cobbled streets, lively squares lined with café terraces, crêperies, and shops. Not far from the 15th century Mordelaise Gates, once the main entrance to the city, is the richly decorated 19th century St Peter’s Cathedral. You can also find many famous squares, including the Place du Champ-Jacquet with its picturesque old half-timbered houses, the City Hall Square, the Brittany Parliament Square or the Republic Square. 

In 1790, the center was destroyed by fire, and only Les Lices, at the junction of the Ille Canal and the Vilaine River, was not damaged.

The construction of the Brittany Parliament began in 1618 and was completed in 1655. The Palace was almost destroyed in 1994 after a fire and was completely renovated. Since 1804, this historical monument serves as the Court of Appeal of Rennes. The Palace features four buildings and numerous galleries.

Art lovers will appreciate the Museum of Fine Arts which houses paintings from the 14th to the 20th century, including the famous work of Georges La Tour, The Newborn.

In the south of the Vilaine is an important cultural center, Les Champs Libres, which houses the superb ultra-modern Brittany Museum and the Science Museum.