Rennes Private Tour

RENNES PRIVATE TOUR - DISCOVER BRITTANY'S VIBRANT CAPITAL

Historic half-timbered houses in Rennes, Brittany

Discover Rennes, the dynamic capital of Brittany, where medieval charm meets modern vitality. With your local expert guide, explore the beautifully preserved historic center, admire the stunning half-timbered houses, and experience the authentic Breton culture that makes this city unique.

Rennes perfectly blends its rich 2,000-year history with contemporary urban life. From the magnificent Place des Lices market to the grand Parliament of Brittany, from colorful medieval streets to innovative modern architecture, Rennes offers a fascinating cultural experience in the heart of Brittany.

Tour Highlights

- Historic Half-Timbered Houses - Admire the colorful medieval buildings of Place des Lices and Rue Saint-Georges
- Parliament of Brittany - Visit the magnificent 17th-century palace (exterior & interior option)
- Place des Lices Market - Experience one of France's most beautiful markets (Saturday mornings)
- Thabor Gardens - Stroll through the stunning 10-hectare botanical gardens
- Saint-Pierre Cathedral - Explore the impressive neoclassical cathedral
- La Rue de la Soif - Discover Rennes' famous nightlife street and student culture
- Les Champs Libres - Modern cultural center with museum, library, and planetarium
- Local Crêperies & Markets - Authentic Breton culinary experiences

About This Tour

Your local guide, born and raised in Brittany, will share fascinating stories about Rennes' history, from its Roman origins to the devastating 1720 fire that shaped the city we see today. Learn about Breton culture, the famous Dreyfus trial at the Parliament, and the vibrant student life that energizes the city.

Choose your preferred format: a walking tour through the historic center, a bike tour to cover more ground including parks and modern districts, or a driver-guide option to combine Rennes with nearby attractions. The tour is completely customizable to your interests and pace.

Walking Tour Itinerary ( 2-3 hours )

Explore the heart of historic Rennes on foot with your local guide. This walking tour covers the essential highlights of Brittany's capital and can be extended to include the Thabor Gardens and modern districts.

Stop 1

Place de la Mairie & Opera House

Begin at the elegant Place de la Mairie, the city's ceremonial square. Admire the neoclassical City Hall and the beautiful Opera House. Learn about the 1720 fire that destroyed most of medieval Rennes and led to the city's reconstruction with the grand stone buildings you see today.
Stop 2

Parliament of Brittany

Visit the magnificent Parliament of Brittany, a 17th-century masterpiece of classical architecture. Learn about its role in Breton history, the famous Dreyfus trial, and the 1994 fire during fishermen's protests. Option to visit the stunning interior (advance booking required).
Stop 3

Medieval Quarter & Half-Timbered Houses

Explore the charming medieval streets that survived the 1720 fire. Walk through Rue Saint-Georges, Rue du Chapitre, and Place des Lices, admiring the colorful half-timbered houses dating from the 15th-17th centuries. Discover why Rennes has one of the most beautiful collections of medieval architecture in Brittany.
Stop 4

Place des Lices & Saturday Market

Visit the historic Place des Lices, home to one of the most beautiful markets in France every Saturday morning. This is where medieval tournaments were held, and today it's the heart of local life. Explore the artisan shops, crêperies, and traditional Breton boutiques surrounding the square.
Stop 5

Saint-Pierre Cathedral

Visit the impressive Saint-Pierre Cathedral, rebuilt in the 19th century in neoclassical style. Admire the ornate interior with its beautiful altarpiece and learn about the cathedral's importance to Breton religious history.
Option +

Thabor Gardens (Extended Tour)

For the 3-hour walking or bike tour options, extend your visit to the magnificent Thabor Gardens. Explore 10 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens featuring French formal gardens, English botanical gardens, aviaries, and stunning viewpoints. Perfect for photography and relaxation.

Bike Tour Option ( 3 hours )

Cover more ground on two wheels! The bike tour includes all the walking tour highlights plus the Thabor Gardens, modern Rennes with Les Champs Libres cultural center, the Vilaine River quays, and student districts. Bikes and helmets provided.

Driver-Guide Options ( Half Day or Full Day )

Combine your Rennes visit with other nearby attractions. Your driver-guide can take you to additional Breton sites such as the Forest of Brocéliande (Arthurian legends), Fougères Castle, or Vitré medieval town, depending on your interests and time available.

What's Included

- Expert local guide (born and raised in Brittany)
- Private tour (just your group)
- Customizable itinerary based on your interests
- Historical and cultural commentary
- Photography tips and assistance
- Local recommendations (restaurants, crêperies, hidden gems)
- Market shopping tips (if visiting on Saturday)

Additional for Bike Tours

- Quality bikes (city bikes or electric bikes)
- Helmets and safety equipment
- Locks for stops
- Water bottles

Additional for Driver-Guide Tours

- Private transportation in comfortable vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Rennes or nearby cities)
- All parking fees
- Fuel and vehicle insurance

What's Not Included

- Entrance fee to Parliament of Brittany (€7 per person, advance booking required)
- Museum tickets (if desired)
- Meals and refreshments
- Gratuities (optional)
- Personal expenses and shopping

Why Choose This Tour?

Local Expertise: Your guide is a Brittany native with deep knowledge of Rennes' history and contemporary culture.

Flexible Formats: Choose from walking tours (2-3h), bike tours (3h), or driver-guide options (half or full day).

Insider Access: Discover hidden courtyards, best crêperies, local markets, and spots tourists miss.

Authentic Experience: Experience Rennes like a local, from medieval history to modern student culture.

Important Information

- Walking tours involve moderate walking on flat terrain. Comfortable shoes recommended.
- Bike tours require basic cycling ability. The route is mostly flat and follows bike lanes.
- Electric bikes available for an additional fee (€15/person).
- Parliament of Brittany visits require advance booking (2-3 weeks notice recommended).
- Place des Lices market operates Saturday mornings only (7am-1:30pm).
- Tours can be conducted in English, French, or Spanish.
- Rennes is a very walkable city with excellent public transportation.
- The city is particularly lively during university terms (October-May).
- Suitable for all ages. Family-friendly tours available with adapted content.

Tour Options & Pricing

Walking Tour (2 hours): Essential highlights of historic Rennes - €180 per group

Walking Tour (3 hours): Complete tour including Thabor Gardens - €240 per group

Bike Tour (3 hours): Historic center + modern Rennes - €280 per group (bikes included)

Driver-Guide Half Day: Rennes + one additional site (4 hours)

Driver-Guide Full Day: Rennes + Forest of Brocéliande or other sites (8 hours)

Group Size: Private tour (1-15 people for walking, 1-8 for bike, 1-7 for driver-guide)

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Meeting Point: Rennes city center or your hotel (exact location confirmed upon booking)

Best Time to Visit

Rennes is vibrant year-round. Saturday mornings are special with the famous Place des Lices market. Spring (April-May) offers beautiful weather for the Thabor Gardens. Summer brings festivals and outdoor events. Autumn (September-October) has pleasant weather and fewer tourists. December features magical Christmas markets and illuminations.

Good to Know

Rennes is one of France's most dynamic cities, with a large student population (60,000+ students) that gives it youthful energy. The city hosts the famous "Les Transmusicales" music festival every December and the "Tombées de la Nuit" street theater festival in summer. It's also the gateway to exploring Arthurian legends in the nearby Forest of Brocéliande.