Historic Heartbeat of Rennes: The Centre Neighbourhood

Explore the historic Centre in Rennes, France—where medieval charm meets vibrant modernity, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and local flavors.

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Centre

Centre in Rennes is a captivating blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. As the old town's core, it offers a picturesque setting with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and stunning medieval architecture. Walking through Centre is like stepping into a living museum, where each corner tells a story of the city's rich past. The neighbourhood is home to significant landmarks, such as the majestic Rennes Cathedral and the bustling Place des Lices, known for its Saturday market. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, tasting regional delicacies and mingling with friendly locals. The area's charm is enhanced by its numerous cafes and boutiques, perfect for leisurely strolls and window shopping. Art and history enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Centre, with its array of museums, galleries, and historical sites. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes is a must-visit, showcasing an impressive collection of artworks from various periods. Additionally, the Thabor Park, with its beautiful gardens and serene atmosphere, provides a lovely respite from the urban hustle.

Local tips in Centre

Visit the Place des Lices on Saturday mornings to experience one of France's largest outdoor markets.
Wear comfortable shoes; the cobblestone streets, while charming, can be tough on the feet.
Take a guided walking tour to fully appreciate the history and architecture of the area.
Spend some time at Thabor Park for a relaxing break amidst beautiful gardens.
Check the local events calendar; Centre often hosts festivals, concerts, and cultural events.

File:Rennes - Parlement de Bretagne.jpg - Wikipedia

Fichier:Parc du thabor DSC 4491.JPG — Wikipédia

File:Place des Lices, Rennes, dimanche 15 mai 2016.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Fichier:Rennes - Cathédrale Saint-Pierre 120908-01.jpg — Wikipédia

File:Wikipédia dans Rennes - Les Champs Libres - vue de loin.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Façade de l'hôtel de ville, Rennes, France.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Fichier:Marche des Lices mise en place 04 cropped.jpg — Wikipédia

Fichier:L'Église Saint-Germain de Rennes - 08 Mai 2019 - 04.jpg — Wikipédia

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Parc du Thabor

Experience the lush beauty and tranquility of Parc du Thabor in Rennes, a picturesque park with stunning gardens and serene pathways, perfect for relaxation.

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre

Explore the stunning Cathédrale Saint-Pierre in Rennes, a captivating blend of history, architecture, and spiritual serenity.

Cathedral Saint-Pierre de Rennes

Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Cathedral Saint-Pierre de Rennes, a must-see landmark in the heart of Brittany's capital.

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes

Discover centuries of artistic heritage at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes, a premier destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

Portes Mordelaises - Site historique Rennes centre

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Rennes at the iconic Portes Mordelaises, a medieval landmark showcasing the city's architectural splendor.

Palais Saint-Georges

Explore the architectural beauty and rich history of Palais Saint-Georges, a cultural landmark in the heart of Rennes, France.

Place du Champ Jacquet (Leperdit statue)

Discover the charm of Place du Champ Jacquet, where history, culture, and vibrant local life converge in the heart of Rennes.

Rennes Centre Historique

Discover the enchanting Rennes Centre Historique, a vibrant blend of medieval architecture and modern culture, perfect for every traveler exploring Brittany.

Place de l'Ordre National du Mérite

Explore the tranquil beauty of Place de l'Ordre National du Mérite, a serene city park in Rennes perfect for relaxation and nature lovers.

Place du Colombier

Explore the historical richness and vibrant atmosphere of Place du Colombier, a cultural gem in the heart of Rennes, France.

Tour Duchesne

Explore Tour Duchesne in Rennes, a historical landmark that encapsulates the rich heritage of the region, perfect for history enthusiasts and curious travelers.

Unmissable attractions to see

Musée de Bretagne

Uncover the essence of Brittany at Musée de Bretagne - a captivating journey through history and culture awaits every visitor.

Parlement de Bretagne

Explore the stunning architecture and rich history of the Parlement de Bretagne, a key landmark in Rennes that showcases Brittany's cultural heritage.

Le Palais du Parlement de Bretagne

Explore the architectural beauty and rich history of Le Palais du Parlement de Bretagne, a cultural gem in the heart of Rennes, France.

Essential places to dine

La Saint-Georges

Discover authentic Brittany flavors at La Saint-Georges, where every crêpe tells a story of French culinary tradition.

La Chope

Discover La Chope in Rennes: A delightful bistro serving exquisite haute French cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.

L' AOC

Discover authentic French cuisine at L' AOC in Rennes, where local ingredients meet exquisite culinary artistry.

Le Café des Bains

Discover authentic French cuisine at Le Café des Bains in Rennes - where tradition meets taste in every dish.

La Réserve

Experience exquisite French cuisine at La Réserve in Rennes, featuring seasonal dishes and an exceptional wine cellar for discerning palates.

Le Bistro Volney

Experience exquisite modern French cuisine at Le Bistro Volney in Rennes—where tradition meets innovation in a cozy bistro setting.

Restaurant Chez Les Garçons : centre-ville de Rennes

Experience authentic French cuisine at Restaurant Chez Les Garçons in Rennes, where delicious vegetarian options meet family-friendly ambiance.

Racines

Experience the essence of French gastronomy at Racines, Rennes' finest dining destination with seasonal delights and artistic presentations.

La Closerie

Experience modern French cuisine at La Closerie in Rennes – where seasonal flavors meet culinary artistry in a stunning atmosphere.

Le Bistrot Des Remparts

Experience authentic French cuisine at Le Bistrot Des Remparts in Rennes - a culinary delight combining tradition with modern flair.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Galeries Lafayette Rennes

Discover Galeries Lafayette Rennes, your ultimate destination for fashion, beauty, and style in the heart of Brittany's vibrant capital.

UNIQLO RENNES

Explore UNIQLO Rennes for stylish, affordable clothing for the whole family in the heart of the city.

French Blossom

Experience the essence of French design at French Blossom, a charming gift shop in Rennes offering unique children's clothing, home goods, and toys.

Made in Frogs

Explore Made in Frogs in Rennes for unique gifts, stylish accessories, and home goods that embody the city's charm and creativity.

Chouette ! Votre boutique de créateurs à Rennes

Explore Chouette in Rennes for unique gifts, handcrafted jewelry, and a taste of local artistry in a charming boutique setting.

A l'heure des rêves

Discover the enchanting world of A l'heure des rêves in Rennes, a boutique filled with unique home goods and artisanal treasures.

Le Grenier des Anges

Explore Le Grenier des Anges: a unique gift shop and dress store in Rennes, offering local artistry and stylish fashion.

Nij

Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts at Nij, a charming gift shop in the heart of Rennes, capturing the essence of Brittany.

Project Store Rennes

Explore Project Store Rennes for a unique blend of fashion and crafting supplies, celebrating local artisanship in the heart of Brittany.

SARAH store

Explore Rennes' vibrant fashion scene at SARAH store, where local design meets unique style for the perfect souvenir.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

O'Connell's Irish Pub

Discover the heart of Irish culture in Rennes at O'Connell's Irish Pub, where hearty meals and lively sports await every visitor.

L’Atelier de l’Artiste

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and local culture at L'Atelier de l'Artiste, a cozy bar in the heart of Rennes, France.

Ty Anna Tavarn

Discover Ty Anna Tavarn in Rennes - a lively bar and live music venue offering local drinks and vibrant entertainment in a charming atmosphere.

Bar le Saint Germain

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious flavors at Bar le Saint Germain, a beloved bar and restaurant in the heart of Rennes, France.

Le Comptoir

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rennes at Le Comptoir, where local flavors and crafted cocktails create unforgettable moments.

Bar du Champ Jacquet

Experience the lively atmosphere and delightful drinks at Bar du Champ Jacquet, the perfect spot to unwind in Rennes.

Le Vieux Saint-Etienne

Experience the cozy ambiance and delightful Italian cuisine at Le Vieux Saint-Etienne, a top bar and restaurant in Rennes, France.

Les Innocents

Savor exquisite cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere at Les Innocents, the must-visit cocktail bar in Rennes, France.

Le Petit Bar

Experience the cozy charm of Le Petit Bar in Rennes, where local culture meets delightful drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.

Bar les Trois Couleurs

Explore the vibrant atmosphere and delightful drinks at Bar les Trois Couleurs in Rennes, a must-visit for every traveler.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide to Centre

Discover Centre with Evendo, a 100% free app-based local travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Local Phrases

- 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)]

History of Centre

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 Essentials

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.

Historic Heartbeat of Rennes: The Centre Neighbourhood

Local tips in Centre