Historic Heartbeat of Rennes: The Centre Neighbourhood

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwah]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/dey-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shtay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [ooh eh...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell eh lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Rennes was founded in the 1st century BC as a Roman settlement called Condate. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers facilitated trade and military movements. The area now known as Centre in Rennes began to develop as a hub for commerce and administration, with significant Roman structures influencing its layout.

During the medieval period, Rennes emerged as a key city in Brittany. The construction of the medieval walls in the 14th century fortified the Centre neighbourhood, making it a center for political power and trade. The Parliament of Brittany was established in the city in 1553, further solidifying its significance in regional governance.

The 16th century brought a cultural renaissance to Rennes, with the construction of many buildings that still define the Centre today. Notable structures, such as the Place des Lices and the Palais du Parlement, showcased the architectural styles of the period. This era further established Rennes as a cultural and administrative center in Brittany.

The French Revolution in the late 18th century had a profound impact on Rennes. The Centre became a focal point for revolutionary activities, including the establishment of the National Guard. The tumultuous period led to the reorganization of local governance and the secularization of institutions, reshaping the societal landscape of Rennes.

The 19th century heralded a new phase of industrialization in Rennes, which affected the Centre neighbourhood significantly. The construction of railways and factories attracted a workforce, leading to urban expansion. This period saw the development of new districts surrounding the Centre, while the historical core retained its importance as a commercial and cultural hub.

After World War II, Rennes underwent significant reconstruction and modernization. The Centre area saw the restoration of historical buildings and the development of modern infrastructure. The introduction of pedestrian zones and urban green spaces revitalized the neighbourhood, blending historical charm with contemporary urban life.

Centre is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Rennes via public transport. The Rennes Metro Line A and Line B connect Centre to various parts of the city. The main train station, Gare de Rennes, is located close to Centre, offering connections to major cities in France. Local buses also serve the area, with several stops throughout Centre, making it convenient to travel from neighborhoods such as Thabor and Villejean.

The best way to explore Centre is on foot, as many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, the Rennes Metro is efficient and reliable, with frequent service. Buses are also available, and a bike-sharing program (Star Bike) allows you to rent bicycles for a more leisurely ride through the city. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also options for late-night travel or when public transport is less frequent.

Centre is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, particularly around the outskirts. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places like markets and public transport. While Rennes has no specific high-crime areas that target tourists, it's wise to remain vigilant and keep belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospital, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Rennes, provides emergency services. Always have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are plentiful throughout Centre, and many are open late, offering over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for the weather and occasion; smart casual is common. Don't wear overly casual clothing in fine dining or cultural settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting places of worship. Don't take photographs in churches without permission. Public Transport: Do give your seat to the elderly or those in need. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a handshake. Don't assume familiarity; use titles and surnames until invited to use first names. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like galettes and cider. Don't waste food or leave the table without excusing yourself.

To experience Centre like a local, visit the Marché des Lices, a vibrant market held every Saturday, showcasing local produce and artisan goods. Take time to explore the historic streets and discover hidden cafés and boutiques. Engage with locals at cultural events or festivals, which are often held in the area. Don’t miss a leisurely stroll through Parc du Thabor, a beautiful park that offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.