Le marché des Lices
The market of lices is the second largest food market in the country. Open every Saturday morning from 8am you can spend time perusing the various food stalls meeting many local producers of everything from cheese to fish, meat to vegetables. This may be one of the best ways to start a day in Rennes.
La crêperie Saint-Georges
After a great morning in the market, it will be time to take lunch and you must consider a table at The Saint-Georges Crepery. You will definitely fall in love with this traditional food especially when accompanied by a bottle of local apple cider. This modern space is not only a restaurant but a meeting place for the citizens of Rennes to gather.
Here’s a review from TripAdvisor of La Creperie Saint Georges by Padraic, owner of Fresh Eire Adventures:
“I was a little non-plussed walking around Rennes the other evening looking for something authentic with an original twist. Crepes crepes crepes. As time was pushing on I spotted this place with an interesting menu - its plates were all named after one famous George or another...Reluctantly I took a seat and a menu and hoped for the best. I first of all went to their weine by the glass section - I was very pleasantly surprised to see a St Emiilion (a Saint Georges of course) and quickly ordered that. For my main course I had a buckwheat galette, the Georges Moustaki; a wonder of sliced baby potatoes fried with onion and melted Epoisses (I think?). Truly superb. Service was efficient if somewhat unfriendly. I had to go inside to pay the bill. The street side terrace where I ate was full while the interior was less so. Very reasonable at €19.90 total. Highly recommended”.
L’Abri du Marché
L’Abri du Marché is an authentic restaurant in the city center of Rennes next to Place des Lices to taste delicious Mussels and Galettes.
Here’s a review from TripAdvisor of L’abri du Marché restaurant by Padraic, owner of Fresh Eire Adventures:
“This atmospheric and very authentically styled Breton restaurant serves (like many of the places in the neighbourhood) staples like Galettes and Mussels. I opted for the mussels in a curry sauce (€9.60) with a side salad (€2.50) and a 50cl pichet of house red (Bordeaux; €5.10). Everything was excellent; service was friendly and helpful. For dessert I attempted (somewhat successfully) to have the server ask the kitchen to prepare a banoffee crepe (with banana, caramel sale and vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate)....close but no cigar. Top marks for trying to make a special request not on the menu however! Lots of groups of friends on the other tables...bathrooms were good. Excellent and very enjoyable. Highly recommended".
L’Epi de Blé
Located in front of the train station, L’Epi de Blé, simple but traditional, offers you a typical Breton cuisine with high quality products.
Here’s a review from TripAdvisor of L’Epi de Blé by Padraic, owner of Fresh Eire Adventures:
« While this is not a fancy place it is certainly very good. My potato, onion, emmental and mushroom galette was high quality, delicious and of a reasonable size. I also had a glass of house white (€2.10) and a bottle of mineral water (€3.50). This was a simple and enjoyable lunch. My server was friendly and efficient. And excellent value for money too - €11.50 total! Recommended ».
Le parc du Thabor
The elegant and romantic gardens of Le Parc du Thabor, located in the heart of the city are best explored using a locally hired rental bike.
The park combines many different features such as English park, French garden, a cave, music kiosk and even an aviary. Botanists and keen gardners should definately not miss this attraction as here you will find an exceptional rose garden with 2000 varieties.
Place de la Mairie
Every French town has a Mairie. In the Mairie, the official business of the town is conducted. Located in the heart of the city, the city hall is free to visit. Whilst there why not visit the Opera House which is located just opposite.
I suggest you also go there at nightfall because the Mairie and the Opera House are completely illuminated.
Near to the town center, you can also visit the Parliament of Brittany.
Place Saint-Anne
To enjoy a good night in Rennes just make a stop at La Place Saint-Anne. It’s the musical center of the city, where you can witness the «biniou», a traditional Breton instrument being played. You will also hear African music, rock and pop. There are so many people revelling in this area each night sharing good times in a cosmopolitan, yet typical, environment.
My name is Mathieu, I am 22 years of age. I was born in Nantes, France and I grew up in a small city next to Rennes in Brittany. Currently I am studying at La Rochelle Business School. I am excited to be in Ireland, my first visit here and in particular to be interning at a exciting travel company.
I have visited many places in France and abroad, and I have discover some amazing places because of recommendations by my friends. This is why I think it could be a judicious idea to help you discover the city of Rennes, by posting a blog entry on the Fresh Eire Adventures site, Normandy & Brittany.
