Just a four-hour train journey from the UK, you’ll find Rennes, a charming French town known for its massive market and vibrant nightlife.
Rennes, a university town, is renowned for its stunning medieval architecture and one of the largest markets in France. If you’re looking to avoid airport security queues or long car lines at Dover, then Rennes could be the ideal spot for a quick weekend escape or an extended stay.
Home to 300,000 residents, this capital of Brittany offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Reaching Rennes from the UK is straightforward with a two-hour Eurostar trip to Paris, followed by a one-and-a-half-hour journey on the TGV.
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One of the most striking features of Rennes is the half-timbered houses that border its town centre. There are several hundred of these distinctive buildings scattered throughout the town – the most in Brittany, reports the Express.
Many of these homes date back to the 15th century and survived a massive fire in 1720 that wiped out 33 streets and over 900 homes. The remaining 280 houses, with their muted red, brown, and yellow-streaked wooden facades, resemble a slightly altered version of the classic British Tudor design.
While Rennes might not be as famous as some other French cities, it provides a more authentic experience off the typical tourist path. A leisurely walk through its quaint streets can offer a real insight into life in Brittany.
The vibrant atmosphere of Rennes’ markets is a sight to behold. The Marche des Lices, the second largest market in France, offers an extensive range of local products, crafts and food.
This historic market, which has been running for 402 years, hosts around 300 traders at the Place des Lices each week, attracting approximately 10,000 shoppers and tourists.
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Every week, it presents a colourful array of fish, charcuterie, fruits and vegetables, cheeses, flowers, bread and galettes-saucisse – a local delicacy consisting of a hot pork sausage wrapped in a buckwheat crepe.
Rennes itself boasts about 20 markets throughout the week, including the organic market on Wednesday afternoons at the Mail Francois Mitterrand, and the popular Sainte-Therese market on Wednesday mornings, which is a favourite among local chefs.
But don’t be fooled by its charm, Rennes is far from a sleepy French village nestled in the countryside. The city is home to 60,000 university students who keep the bars bustling at night and ensure the nightlife is lively.
These students also play a vital role in the local arts scene.
Visitors can explore contemporary street art, cultural events that highlight Rennes’ commitment to artistic expression, and galleries like the Musee des beaux-arts de Rennes.
For those who prefer the great outdoors, Rennes is dotted with numerous parks and green spaces. The Parc du Thabor, with its botanical gardens and vibrant flowers, is the perfect spot for a relaxing day out.
