Here’s a complete and detailed Rennes itinerary for both 3 days and 5 days, covering the best attractions, local food experiences, cultural highlights, and day trips so you can make the most of your stay:
Rennes Itinerary for 3 Days / 5 Days
Rennes, the capital of Brittany, blends medieval charm, cultural richness, and modern energy. Whether you’re staying for 3 days or extending your visit to 5 days, this itinerary will help you explore the best attractions, hidden gems, and local food spots while keeping your trip relaxed and enjoyable.
Rennes Itinerary for 3 Days
Day 1 – Explore Historic Rennes
Morning
- Start at the Historic Old Town and stroll through Rue du Chapitre, Rue Saint-Michel, and Rue Saint-Guillaume to admire the half-timbered houses.
- Visit the Parlement de Bretagne, a 17th-century landmark rich in history and architecture.
Afternoon
- Relax at Parc du Thabor, one of France’s most beautiful parks with rose gardens, an aviary, and shaded walking paths.
- Have lunch at a traditional crêperie and try a Breton galette paired with cider.
Evening
- Head to Place de la Mairie and admire the Rennes Town Hall and Opéra de Rennes.
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the city center.
Day 2 – Culture, Food & Markets
Morning
- Visit the Marché des Lices (Saturday mornings only) — one of France’s oldest and largest markets. Sample galette-saucisse, fresh oysters, cheeses, and pastries.
- Stop by Rennes Cathedral (Saint-Pierre Cathedral) to admire its neoclassical architecture.
Afternoon
- Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes, home to works by Picasso, Rubens, and Veronese.
- Visit Les Champs Libres, a modern cultural hub with a science center, museum, and panoramic city views from the library.
Evening
- Stroll along the Vilaine River promenade and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a riverside café.
Day 3 – Leisure & Hidden Gems
Morning
- Discover the Vilaine River cycling paths using a LE vélo STAR rental bike.
- Visit Place Sainte-Anne, famous for its lively cafés and street art.
Afternoon
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local bistro.
- Wander through Parc des Gayeulles, Rennes’ largest green space with lakes, trails, and picnic spots.
Evening
- Experience Rennes’ vibrant nightlife — explore Rue Saint-Michel (“Rue de la Soif”) or enjoy a cozy wine bar.
Rennes Itinerary for 5 Days
If you have 5 days in Rennes, you can explore the city in more depth and enjoy day trips to nearby Brittany highlights.
Day 4 – Day Trip to Saint-Malo
- Take a 1-hour train to Saint-Malo, a stunning walled port city on the Brittany coast.
- Walk along the ramparts and soak in breathtaking sea views.
- Visit the Grand Bé Island (accessible during low tide) and relax at Plage du Sillon.
- Return to Rennes in the evening for dinner.
Day 5 – Day Trip to Mont Saint-Michel or Vitré
Option 1 – Mont Saint-Michel (1.5 hours away):
- Visit the iconic abbey perched on a tidal island.
- Stroll through charming medieval streets and enjoy stunning panoramic views.
Option 2 – Vitré (40 minutes away):
- Explore the fairy-tale Château de Vitré and picturesque cobbled streets.
- Perfect for travelers who prefer a quieter day away from crowds.
Local Food to Try During Your Itinerary
- Galette-saucisse – Rennes’ street-food specialty.
- Breton galettes and crêpes – Traditional savory and sweet pancakes.
- Kouign-amann – A caramelized buttery pastry.
- Fresh oysters & seafood – Best at Marché des Lices or riverside restaurants.
- Breton cider and chouchen (honey wine) — Pair them with galettes for a full local experience.
Travel Tips for Rennes
- Best way to get around: Walking, cycling, and using the Rennes Metro.
- Markets: Visit Marché des Lices early on Saturdays for the freshest produce.
- Language: Basic French phrases are useful, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.
- Day trips: Book train tickets in advance for Saint-Malo and Mont Saint-Michel to avoid queues.
Quick Itinerary Summary Table
| Day | 3-Day Plan | 5-Day Plan (Extra Days) |
| --------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Day 1 | Historic Old Town, Parlement, Parc du Thabor | Same as 3-day plan |
| Day 2 | Marché des Lices, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Les Champs Libres | Same as 3-day plan |
| Day 3 | Vilaine River, Parc des Gayeulles, nightlife | Same as 3-day plan |
| Day 4 | — | Day trip to Saint-Malo |
| Day 5 | — | Day trip to Mont Saint-Michel or Vitré |
Final Recommendation
- 3 Days in Rennes: Perfect for first-time visitors who want to cover the city’s top attractions, parks, markets, and food spots.
- 5 Days in Rennes: Ideal if you want to combine city highlights with day trips to Brittany’s coast and nearby medieval towns.
