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Rennes
Rennes is inland in Brittany and is the capital of the region and a busy hub for the region.
Get past the industrial surroundings of the town and it is the historical centre of Rennes that holds the most interest for visitors, including some attractive medieval buildings, the Brittany parliament, and the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre.
Unfortunately a careless accident in 1720 led to large amounts of the town being burned to the ground. More recently in 1994 the Parliament suffered the same fate, although it has now been rebuilt.
Despite these accidents there is still a great deal of historical interest to engage the visitor. The most impressive tall half-timbered houses - as seen in almost every picture-postcard of Rennes - are based in a few streets in the area around, and to the east and south of, Rue de Champ Jacquet and Place des Lices (around the cathedral).
Other Highlights of a visit to Rennes include:
- the parliament. Despite the 1994 fire, five years of rebuilding have restored the impressive building. Dating from the 17th century, the Italian style parliament contains several very grand rooms and ornate ceilings and other rooms of interest.
- the Saint-Pierre cathedral (mostly 18th-19th century but with the original 16th century facade)
- the splendid mansion called 'Hotel de Blossac'
- the 18th century town hall (the previous building was destroyed in the great fire of 1720)
Rennes also has two nateworthy museums - the Musee de Bretagne and the Musee des Beaux-Arts. Both are in the same building and merit a visit. The first explores the history of Brittany and the second has a good collection of paintings from medieval times to the 20th century.
To escape from the bustle of Rennes for a while explore the pleasant Jardin du Thabor, next to the Church of Saint Melanie.
Rennes: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Places to visit - Rennes
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Rennes.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Rennes are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
Tourist Classifications for Rennes
- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Rennes when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
