French city of Rennes (Brittany region). Interesting cities in France: Rennes Sights, holidays and events

French city of Rennes (Brittany region)

The French city of Rennes or Rennes is a populated area in France, located in the prefecture of the department of Ille-et-Vilaine and the administrative center of the Brittany region. In fact, the city is located in the west of France, at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers.

Bordered by the canal to the west and the Vilaine River to the south, the surviving medieval quarter of Rena stretches from the Porte Mordelez gate, the ancient main entrance to the city.

Just north-east of the gate, on the Place des Ristalines, there are two, usually empty, halls with shopping arcades - they come to life every Saturday, when one of the largest street markets in France opens there.

A little west of the train station is the center of Colombier - the epitome of modern Rennes: the shopping arcade is full shops all types, as well as cafe and snack bars. However, the most popular bars and restaurants await you on the streets south of Place Sainte-Anne, towards Place des Ristoilleries.

For a city that has remained the capital and center of government of Brittany since its unification with France in 1532, Rennes, at least outwardly, does not fit into the overall picture of the region at all: the traditions of neoclassicism are too strong in it and the main buildings are pompous.

Everything that could have made it a picturesque tourist spot was destroyed in 1720, when a drunken carpenter managed to burn down almost the entire city. Only the area of ​​the Lists (Les Lices) at the confluence of the Ile River, which was turned into a canal, with the Vilaine River was not affected. The reconstruction of the remaining parts of the city was entrusted to Parisian architects - not out of respect for the capital, but in an attempt to measure their strength with it.

As a result (at least on the northern bank of the river), Rennes resembles a patchwork quilt, where luxurious 18th-century parade squares juxtapose with cozy little alleys where half-timbered houses await you. You will have a lot of fun walking around this city, but it does not have its own, integral atmosphere.

A Brief History of Rennes

The name of the city was given by the Celtic tribe of Redons, who lived here in ancient times. The capital of the Redons, which gave rise to Rennes, stood at the crossroads of the main roads of the Armorica region. The diocese of Rennes dates back to the 4th century. IN medieval era The counts of Rennes challenged the counts of Nantes for supremacy in Brittany. The rivalry between Nantes and Rennes continued after the annexation of Brittany to France at the beginning of the 16th century.

Medieval Rennes was destroyed by the great fire of 1720, but survived Palace of Parliament of Brittany(Palais du Parlement de Bretagne) with a lavishly decorated main hall. The city center, rebuilt in the 18th century, can serve as an example of the urban planning policy of classicism with wide streets located perpendicular to each other. The city hall represents the ceremonial buildings of the times of Louis XV. At the same time, the Vilen River was canalized.

The new, fast, comfortable and extremely clean metro opened in 2002 (opening hours: Monday-Saturday 5.00-0.45, Sunday 7.15-0.45). The most useful stations for tourists are located at the train station, Place Republique and Place Sainte-Anne. Any one-way trip will cost 1.10 euros, an all-day pass will cost 3.20 euros, and a weekly pass will cost 8.70 euros.

In addition, the city council provides visitors with free bicycles (for 7 hours, with a deposit of 76 euros), at a kiosk on the Duguay-Trouin, in the central Place de la République (daily: 9.00-19.00). The travel agency is located in a no longer used Chapel of Saint-Ives(Chapelle Saint-Yves), north of the river (11 rue St-Yves). Internet access is available at the central post office, at Place de la République and at Cybernet Online (22 rue St-Georges).

Unfortunately, in the old part of Rennes hotels surprisingly little. If you come to the city by train or bus, it will be more convenient to stay south of the river, near the train station and bus stations. If you are going to spend a weekend here, contact the travel agency: by calling “Don Week-end”, you can spend two nights at the hotel for the price of one.

    Rennes Hotels

1). Hotel D'Angleterre– An undistinguished, but clean and impeccably organized hotel, not far from the southern bank of the river. For a room with a bath you will have to pay an additional 12.50 euros. Hotel address: 19 rue du Marechal-Joffre;

2). Hotel Au Rocher de Cancale– This beautifully restored four-room hotel (with modern amenities) is located on a busy pedestrian street, between Places Ste-Anne and Places St-Michel, in the heart of medieval Rennes. The restaurant (closed on weekends) offers a set of dishes for lunch for 9 euros and dinner for 13 euros. The exclusive set of fish dishes for 20 euros is excellent. Hotel address: 10 rue St-Michel;

3). Garden Hotel– Comfortable, nicely decorated and very secluded Logis de France hotel north of the train station, close to the river, with a nice little cafe in the garden. Hotel address: 3 rue Duhamel;

4). Hotel Des Lices– Forty-five rooms (all with TV), in a very comfortable and friendly modern hotel, on the outskirts of the most beautiful part of old Rennes - it’s convenient to leave your car in the parking lot of the Place des Lices. Hotel address: 7 place des Lices;

5). Hotel M.S. Nemours– A specific “nautical themed” hotel south of the river, where all the rooms are en-suite and spotless, and “Commander Chappie” and his room “welcome aboard” new guests. Hotel address: 5 rue de Nemours;

6). Hotel Riaval– A friendly hotel with neat and cheap rooms, on a quiet street, far from the center, but just a five-minute walk east from the train station. Hotel address: 9 rue de Riaval;

7). Hotel Tour d'Auvergne– Very simple but welcoming option, above the small brasserie Serment de Vin, between the train station and the river. Some inexpensive rooms have a shower. Hotel address: 20 bd de la Tour-d`Auvergne.

    Hostels and campsites Rennes

1). International Accommodation Center(Centre International de Sejour) – Friendly and well located Hostel Hi, 3 kilometers north of the center, behind the Ille Canal and the Rance River. A single bed in a dormitory costs 12.20 euros, a double room costs 32 euros. There is a cafeteria and laundry room, and the doors are locked at midnight. It is imperative to join the hostel association. Buses No. 20 and No. 22 depart from the train station (only on weekdays) (direction “St-Gregoire”, stop “Coetlogon”). On weekends, take bus number 18. Hostel open all year round. Center address: 10-12 Canal St-Martin;

2). Urban camping Des Gayeulles– An attractive, green location 1 kilometer east of the center of Rennes (accessible by bus number 3). Opening hours: closed November-March. Camping address: Rue de Professeur-Maurice-Audin.

Sights of Rennes

Bordered by a canal to the west and a river to the south, Rennes's surviving medieval quarter stretches from Porte Mordelaise, the ancient main entrance to the city. Just northeast of the gate, on the Place de Lices, there are two usually empty halls with shopping arcades - they come to life every Saturday, when one of the largest street markets in France opens there.

Initially, knightly tournaments were held here, and it was here in 1337 that the then unknown 17-year-old Bertrand Du Guesclin defeated several older opponents. This is how his military career began: later he had to save Rennes, besieged by British troops. However, after the defeat of the Bretons at Auray in 1364, he defected to the French and twice invaded what is now Brittany region .

One of the central buildings that was not damaged by the fire in 1720 was the Palace of Parliament on Hoche Street, in the very center. However, ironically, the palace almost turned into ruins due to a strong fire in 1994 (according to the official version, sparks fell on it from a rocket launched during a demonstration by Breton fishermen). Now the building has been completely rebuilt and restored, and its roof is once again crowned with gilded statues.

Heading south from the Palace of Justice, you will soon find yourself at the Vilaine River, which flows through the center of Ren. The southern bank of the river is no less busy (and maybe even busier) than the northern one, where in the former building University of Rennes(20 quai Emile-Zola) houses the Museum of Fine Arts.

Unfortunately, many of the museum's best works (including drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Fra Lippo and Dürer) are not usually displayed. But here you can see several species Normandy works of the Impressionists (imitators of Boudin and Sisley), among which sometimes one comes across such gems as Peter Boel’s sketches of animals (17th century), surprisingly modern in appearance, and “Tiger Hunt” by Peter Paul Rubens (the picture is enlivened by the lion that has crept into it).

South of the river is Rue Vasselot, lined with ancient half-timbered mansions, while Center Colombier, just west of the train station, is the epitome of modern Rennes: a shopping arcade full of shops of all kinds, as well as cafes and eateries. In the main lobby, a crystal model of the center itself is displayed at the entrance. Not far from the Charles de Gaulle metro station there is Museum of Brittany(Musee de Bretagne), dedicated to the culture and history of Brittany.

Where to eat and drink in Rennes

Rennes (France) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Rennes with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Rennes (France)

Rennes is a city in northwestern France, the capital of the region of Brittany and the department of Ille-et-Vilaine. It's a great place to explore northern French culture, with a history going back centuries. Rennes is one of France's most picturesque cities, with 90 historical monuments concentrated in its historic centre, where impressive 18th-century mansions sit alongside medieval churches and half-timbered houses. Rennes is considered one of the most comfortable places to live in the country. There are many museums and parks, recreational and leisure facilities. This university city has a huge student population and a fun and dynamic urban rhythm.

Geography and climate

Rennes is located in the east of Brittany at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers, 300 km from Paris. The old city is built on a hill, the north side of which is higher than the south. The climate is temperate maritime with warm summers and cool winters.

Practical information

  1. The population is more than 210 thousand people.
  2. Area - 50.39 km2.
  3. Language - French.
  4. Currency - euro.
  5. Visa - Schengen.
  6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
  7. Rennes Airport serves cheap flights between France and UK cities.
  8. The most convenient way to get to Rennes is by train. Trains run from Paris, Lille and other major cities in the country.
  9. Every Saturday, a market is held on Place des Lices where you can buy inexpensive products: meat, cheese, French delicacies.
  10. Place du Colombier is home to a large underground shopping center, and Place Ste Anne is home to the new La Visitation.

Story

The origins of the history of Rennes go back to the Gallo-Roman era. In the 2nd century BC. The Celtic tribe of Redons occupied the territory of eastern Brittany and founded their main city at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers. In the 1st century BC. the settlement was captured by the Romans and named Condat Ridonum. During the Roman period, Rennes had an important and strategic location. In the 3rd century, due to the threat of barbarian invasion, the city was surrounded by a brick wall.


After the collapse of the Roman Empire, these lands were occupied by the Bretons. Rennes was a border city of the Frankish state. In the 9th century it was captured by the Bretons and incorporated into their kingdom. Subsequently, Rennes, along with Nantes, was one of the most important cities in Brittany. At the end of the 15th century, as a result of the Treaty of Rennes, the city and the entire region became part of France.


In 1720, the medieval city was almost destroyed by fire. New Rennes was built in the classicist style. The city was also heavily damaged by bombing during World War II.

Attractions

Medieval Rennes was almost destroyed by fire in 1720. The new city was built in the style of classicism architecture. That is why there are many beautiful monumental buildings from the 18th century in the historical center of Rennes. The web of medieval streets has been preserved only in the area of ​​the cathedral. Here you can see old half-timbered houses and medieval architecture. The most beautiful of the old streets are Rue de la Psalette and Rue du Chapitre.


The Saint-Pierre Cathedral is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture, built in 1845. Although the origins of this religious building go back to the early Middle Ages. The cathedral has a stunning exterior, a magnificent interior, a beautiful decorated ceiling and a spectacular organ.


Tabor is a magnificent park covering an area of ​​9 hectares and located in the north-eastern part of Rennes on the site of an old Benedictine abbey. It was designed in the 19th century and includes fountains, a French garden, an English garden, a rose garden, and a botanical garden with greenhouses.


Notre-Dame-en-Saint-Melaine is an ancient church on the outskirts of Tabor Park. It was founded in the 6th century and was rebuilt until the mid-19th century. The church is an interesting piece of architecture, a combination of Romanesque, Gothic and Neoclassical styles. The interior is equally fascinating and contains a remarkable 15th-century fresco depicting the baptism of Christ.


Duchesne is an impressive relic of the Middle Ages, a 15th century tower set on 3rd century Gallo-Roman walls. This structure played an important role in the defense of the medieval city.


Mordelez is another monument of the Middle Ages. It is a 15th century gate with two towers protected by a drawbridge and two smaller gates.


The Parliament of Brittany is a magnificent historical building dating back to the 17th century. The building has a magnificent interior - beautiful French-style ceilings, sculpted wood paneling and paintings.


Place des Lices is a wonderful square full of wonderful examples of Breton architecture. This space is famous for its Saturday market.


The Town Hall is a beautiful historical building, built in the French classicism style in the 18th century.


The Palais de Commerce is an impressive building built between 1885 and 1929 and designed by Jean-Baptiste Martineau.

Saint-Sauveur is a basilica built in the 18th century.


Saint-Yves is an ancient chapel that now houses a center for the study of the city's architecture and heritage.

The city of Rennes is the official capital of Brittany. Since 2002, the VAL metro has been launched here, automatic, without drivers. In the Old Center, parts of the city's fortifications, medieval gates and colorful half-timbered buildings have been preserved.

A little about the city

The city of Rennes or Rennes (French: Rennes, Brett: Roazhon) is the official capital of Brittany, the center of the French department of Ille-et-Vilaine. The population of Rennes is more than 220 thousand people. In the city there are enterprises of Peugeot, Citroën and France Telecom, a GIAT weapons plant, and the Bridel dairies; The universities of Rennes I and Rennes II of Haute-Brittany operate here.

Rennes has an excellent transport network. Buses run around the city. Since 2002, the VAL (automatic, driverless) metro was launched, consisting of one line with 15 stations. The entire system is controlled by 4 people, and 120 cameras monitor the situation in the subway.

In the town of Lohéac there is a summer pilot school (école de pilotage), where those interested can take lessons in driving a Formula 1 car. Details at http://circuitloheac.com/.

City events

The city annually hosts musical events: the festival of national art and music Fest-Noz, the July festival of contemporary art, and the November jazz festival.

In the town Langon(Langon (Ille-et-Vilaine)) you can see the unique Chapelle Sainte-Agathe of the 4th century, rebuilt from a Roman tomb, and the temple of the 9th century.

Rennes is a French city located in the western part of the country, in the prefecture of the Ille-et-Vilaine department. It is the capital of the Brittany region. From the capital of France to this city the distance is about 308 km. You can get here by car, bus or by train on the Paris - Rennes train.

City `s history

The first mentions of the city are found in chronicles of the 2nd century BC. Representatives of the Redon tribe lived in these places. Thanks to them, a settlement called Kondrat was founded, which was eventually renamed Rennes.

The city was built in a good place and had an advantageous geographical location. Trade and military routes passed here, which had a beneficial effect on its development.

Around the 5th century, an episcopal see began to exist in the city. During the reign of the Dukes of Breton, it acquired the status of a center of secular power. Magnificent coronations take place here.

In the 12th century, the settlement was actively built up. Embankments appeared on the Vilen River, a railway station, and universities that still exist today.

In 1532, the French king took Rennes under his authority. In 1720, there was a large fire in the city for those times. The flame destroyed a huge part of the buildings, but miraculously bypassed the Parliamentary Palace of Brittany. In the 18th century, Rennes was reborn again. It appears buildings built in the style of classicism.

Rennes or Rennes [source not specified 279 days] (French Rennes, Brett. Roazhon) is a city in France, a prefecture of the department of Ille-et-Vilaine and the administrative center of the region of Brittany. The city is located in western France, at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers. As of 2009, Rennes had a population of 206,229 inhabitants.

Historical reference

The name of the city was given by the Celtic tribe of Redons, who lived here in ancient times. The capital of the Redons, which gave rise to Rennes, stood at the crossroads of the main roads of the Armorica region. The diocese of Rennes dates back to the 4th century. In the Middle Ages, the counts of Rennes challenged the counts of Nantes for supremacy in Brittany. The rivalry between Nantes and Rennes continued after the annexation of Brittany to France at the beginning of the 16th century.

Medieval Rennes was destroyed by the great fire of 1720, but the Palace of the Parliament of Brittany with its lavishly decorated main hall survived. The city center, rebuilt in the 18th century, can serve as an example of the urban planning policy of classicism with wide streets located perpendicular to each other. The city hall represents the ceremonial buildings of the times of Louis XV. At the same time, the Vilen River was canalized.

During the French Revolution, it served as a springboard for the suppression of the Vendée rebellion. During the Second World War, Rennes suffered greatly from the bombing of both the Germans and the Allies: thousands of citizens were killed, many ancient buildings were destroyed, including the city museum.

Attractions

  • Monuments of civil architecture of the old order: the Palace of the Parliament of Brittany (1618-1655), the Rennes Town Hall (1722), university buildings, the Episcopal Palace (1672), the theater.
  • Religious monuments are the Gothic Church of Saint-Aubin and Rennes Cathedral. The latter was founded in the 12th century, partially collapsed in 1490, a new façade was erected in the 16th-17th centuries, dismantled in the 18th century for fear of a new collapse, and by 1844 it was rebuilt in the style of classicism.
  • Tabor Botanical Garden, opened to the public in 1868.

Education and culture

In the 19th century, universities (about 60,000 students) consisted of faculties of law, philosophy, physics, mathematics and pharmacy. At the end of the century, the city had a public library (600 thousand volumes), a conservatory, an art school, a teachers' seminary (male and female), and an agricultural school. Currently, the University of Rennes I and the University of Rennes II of Haute-Brittany operate.

On April 25, 2010, the international rock festival Thrash and Burn European Tour 2010 was held in Rennes.