Parc des Gayeulles, Rennes Travel Guide

Parc des Gayeulles, or Parc des Bois, is the largest park in Rennes, extending over 100 hectares in the city's northeast. Created in 1967 and opened to the public in 1978, the park provides a green lung within the city, offering a variety of landscapes, including woodlands, ponds and open clearings.The park's history includes a former hippodrome, which operated from 1884 to 1978. The site also incorporates the Ferme des Basses Gayeulles, a farm dating back to the late fifteenth century. Today, the park is a hub of recreational activities, with facilities such as the Forêt Adrénaline adventure park, the Blizz ice rink, and the Gayeulles swimming pool. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy terrains for football, rugby, tennis, and squash, as well as a skate park and mini-golf.Parc des Gayeulles also features a children's farm, playgrounds, and picnic areas with barbecues. The park is known for its biodiversity, home to various animal species, including red squirrels, rabbits, and diverse birdlife. The park is open 24/7 throughout the year and accessible via multiple entrances. While dogs aren't allowed, designated areas are available for them outside the park.