Visit Rennes in 2 days

Where to Stay in Rennes

When you have only two days in Rennes, location matters more than fancy extras: a well-placed base turns short walks into mini discoveries and gives you time for that unexpected coffee or evening show. The city is compact and lively, so choosing a neighborhood close to the sights you most want to see — or near a reliable transit point — will let you enjoy Église Toussaints de Rennes, the Museum of Fine Arts of Rennes and an evening at La Criée without hunting for taxis.

Rennes is organized around a charming medieval historic center of timbered streets and squares, a greener eastern belt around the parkland, and the transport hub near the station. The layout makes it easy to mix walking and short tram or bus hops: much of the center is pleasantly walkable, while the public network (metro lines and the STAR buses) covers longer hops and quieter residential quarters.

For proximity to Église Toussaints and the theatre vibe of La Criée, staying in the heart of the old town or along the nearby République/Parlements axis keeps you within easy evening strolls of restaurants and bars. If your priority is the art collection and a quieter, leafy atmosphere, look toward the area around Thabor and the museum: you’ll be a short walk from the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the park. If your trip is tightly scheduled or you’re arriving by train, the Gare / Saint‑Hélier side is practical for fast transfers and still places the centre a short metro or bike ride away.

Practical transport tips: rely on Rennes’ metro and STAR bus network for punctual short trips, consider the city’s bike‑share for flexible, scenic jaunts, and expect many central attractions to be reachable on foot in ten to twenty minutes. Taxis and rideshares fill in late‑night gaps but aren’t necessary for most daytime plans.

Finally, choose accommodation that fits how you like to travel: a central apartment if you want independent mornings, a guesthouse near Thabor for calmer nights, or a place by the station for stress‑free arrivals and departures. Rennes is small and forgiving — pick the location that matches your rhythm, and you’ll spend your two days exploring rather than commuting.

Getting Around Rennes

Rennes is delightfully easy to navigate: the city center is compact, the streets are walkable, and the public network is tidy and well-signed. The local operator, STAR, runs an efficient mix of metro lines and buses that connect the main sights, so even if you only have a day or two you won’t spend it lost in transit. Stations and stops are clearly marked, announcements are frequent, and many drivers and station staff speak enough English or are happy to point you in the right direction — so don’t be shy to ask. 🚇

A practical tip: purchase and carry a validated ticket for every journey. You can buy fares at station machines, kiosks, or via the official Korrigo app, and you’ll also find physical points of sale near the main squares. Remember that some services require you to validate your ticket on boarding or at the gate; keep your proof of purchase until you leave the system, because inspectors do make spot checks. 🎫

Use Google Maps (or the Korrigo app) in “public transport” mode and it’ll give you real-time departures, platform info, and step-by-step directions. Search for your destination — for example “Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes” or “La Criée” — and Maps will show the best combination of walking and transit, including how long each transfer takes. It’s especially handy for seeing when the next bus or metro comes so you don’t wait in the rain. 🗺️

To save money, consider a carnet (multi-ride ticket) if you’ll make several single trips, or a day pass if you’re planning lots of hopping around in one day. Weekly and monthly passes are economical if you’re staying longer. Small changes—like walking between close sights instead of jumping on a bus—add up and let you soak in more of Rennes’ charming streets and cafés.

On my first afternoon in Rennes I walked from Église Toussaints to the Museum of Fine Arts — a pleasant 10–15 minute stroll that let me admire the facades. Later that evening we needed to get to La Criée for a show, so I opened Korrigo, bought a single ticket, and hopped on a short metro ride that dropped us a five-minute walk from the theatre. The whole trip took less time than finding parking would have, and getting off at the right stop felt worry-free thanks to the clear station names and the app’s live directions — a tiny travel win that made the night feel effortless.

What to Pack for Rennes

Rennes is a compact, characterful city — narrow medieval streets, warm churches, and lively cultural corners. I’ve wandered its centre for full days, ducking into basilicas and small galleries; these six things kept me comfortable, respectful, and connected. Practical, light, and chosen for rainy Brittany weather and church visits.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (REQUIRED — e.g., waterproof low-profile trainers): I once walked nearly 15 miles in Rennes in a single day, cobbles and all, and my feet remembered it. Choose waterproof trainers or supportive walking shoes (think ECCO or Adidas Terrex) — they protect on cobbles and keep you going when you’re out for 10+ hours visiting churches and galleries. WHY: cobblestones + long walks = blisters fast; good shoes make the difference between enjoying a day and limping back to your hotel.

2. Cross-body bag (zippered, anti-theft): I always use a small zippered cross-body (around 4–6L) when I stroll markets or queue for a church. Rennes is generally safe, but crowded places like Marché des Lices or train stations are where you want your wallet close. WHY: hands-free comfort for photos and entrance lines, plus quick access to tickets and phone while deterring pickpockets.

3. Weather-appropriate clothing — layers + lightweight waterproof jacket: Rennes weather shifts fast; I’ve had sun at noon and drizzle by 3pm. Pack a breathable base layer, a light sweater, and a packable waterproof shell. WHY: indoor visits to churches and galleries can be cool, and outdoor promenades along the Vilaine or in Parliament Square can be windy — layers keep you comfortable without overpacking.

4. Power adapter (Type C/E, 230V) and short charging cable: French sockets use Type C and E (230V). I forgot an adapter once and had to hunt one down before an evening gallery opening. WHY: you don’t want dead devices when you need maps, tickets, or to take photos inside chapels and museums; a short cable is useful for cafés with crowded outlets.

5. Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh): On a long day I’ve drained my phone fast — navigation, photos, and audio guides add up. A 10,000 mAh bank will recharge most phones 2–3 times; 20,000 mAh if you run multiple devices. WHY: keeps you powered for full days wandering (10+ hours) without hunting for plugs between churches and galleries.

6. Light scarf or modest cover-up (optional but recommended for church visits): Many churches appreciate modest dress; I keep a thin scarf in my bag to cover shoulders or head if needed. WHY: respectful entry into religious sites, and it doubles as a chill guard in drafty interiors or as sun protection outside.