Rennes - university city

Rennes is the capital of Brittany, a land located in northwestern France. It is located at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers and has a population of over 200,000. The city was founded by the Gauls and later taken over by the Romans. Since the 18th century, Rennes has been an important academic center, and today it is also the headquarters of the PSA concern, which produces car brands such as Peugeot and Citroën.

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Rennes - sights to see

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Bretagne is an extremely picturesque French land full of rocky coastlines, beautiful wild beaches, clear lakes and numerous moors and bogs. But what does its capital, Rennes,

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Brittany Parliament Building

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Dating back to the 17th century, the building represents the early Baroque style. It suffered badly during a fishermen's demonstration in 1994 and required extensive reconstruction. The richly decorated interiors contain a collection of 17th- and 18th-century paintings and tapestries. It currently houses a courthouse, but some rooms are open to the public, by signing up at the tourist information office.

St. Peter's Cathedral in Rennes

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This neoclassical temple dates from the mid-19th century, although its construction began as early as 1560. It was erected on the site of an earlier cathedral. The interior, in contrast to the austere and simple style on the outside, is full of paintings, decorations and gilding. Noteworthy there are: 16th century marble altar, wooden pulpit, frescoes or organ from 1874.

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Basilica minor Saint-Sauveur

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The temple was built on the site of a previous medieval church between 1703 and 1768 in the classical style. Its interiors conceal a rococo canopy-shaped altarpiece, an antique pulpit, a baptismal font, an organ or a statue of Our Lady of Miracles and Virtues, which refers to four local miracles.

Portes Mordelaises

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Under this name is a former gate leading into the city (one of four). It dates back to the 15th century and is the only remnant of Rennes' former fortifications that exists today. It consists of two solid towers, a drawbridge spanning a moat and the remains of a barbican. The building has undergone many renovations over the centuries, and has also changed its purpose - from being the seat of the city government, to a prison, to a meeting place for the local community.

Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts)

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This museum was established in 1794 during the French Revolution, when works of art were confiscated from local temples and public buildings. Most of its collection, however, comes from the private collection of Christophe-Paul de Robien, the 18th-century president of the Parliament of Brittany. Here you'll find a wide range of exhibits - from those of antiquity to art of later eras - including drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, works by Botticelli, Donatello, Georges de La Toura and Picasso.

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Park Thabor

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This is actually a huge park complex established in the 18th century, which includes an orangery, rose gardens, a playground and an aviary with exotic birds and a small farm with chickens and ducks.