Rennes is a city in the east of Brittany in northwestern France. This city is largely popular among students with over 63,000 students. The city also houses the eighth-largest university campus of France. Considered the city of art and history, l'Express named Rennes as "the most liveable city in France" in 2012. Here is a glimpse of our Day Trip to this beautiful city.
Designed by Jacques Gabriel of the Palace of Versailles. In the summer a free guided tour by the tourism department is offered. After the fire in 1720, Jacques Gabriel, architect to the king, planned to bring together the city hall, judicial tribunal and clock tower in a single building on a new square. Its concave shape brings to mind buildings designed by the great architect's Le Vau and Hardouin-Mansart. It perfectly complements the convex opera house opposite.
The Brittany High Court is an important historical heritage designed by Salomon de Bros who also designed the Luxembourg Gardens. Although it is open to the public, registration at the secretariat is necessary beforehand.
The Parlement de Bretagne (Administrative and judicial center of Brittany) is the most famous 17th-century building in Rennes. It was rebuilt after a terrible fire in 1994 that may have been caused by a flare fired by a protester during a demonstration. It houses the Rennes Court of Appeal. The plaza around is built on the classical architecture.
The site has been used for a cathedral from 6th century it was replaced by a Gothic cathedral in the 12th century.
The original decoration was in a plain neo-classical style, but during the 19th century, it was extensively refurbished with gilt, stucco, and paintings inspired by those in the Parliament of Rennes to create a more sumptuous appearance.
Specialties from Rennes include: Galette ,Galette-saucisse,Crêpe & Cider.
We had lunch at a restaurant called Saint Georges near the central market popular for the stylish decor and rich variety of crepes and galettes.
You can enjoy simple and flavourful food at Saint Georges
Adresse : 11 Rue du Chapitre, 35000 Rennes
Website - http://creperie-saintgeorges.fr/
The weekly market held every Saturday morning offers the freshest ingredients like seafood, milk, butter, vegetables, cheese along with fruits and vegetables.
If you need to take a break from all the sightseeing we suggest a relaxing picnic at the beautiful Thabor Park.
Parc du Thabor contains a compact but significant botanical garden, the Jardin Botanique du Thabor.
Rennes is a small town, which can be covered in a day, but we would recommend you take your time to enjoy this beautiful and artistic city.
About 2 hours by TGV from Paris' Montparnasse