Luggage Storage Rennes

More about Rennes

About Rennes

The 10th largest city in France with a population of around 200,000, Rennes has been recognized as one of the country's most livable municipalities. Its well preserved historic buildings, high student population, and significance in France's tech industry all combine to offer both historic charm and modern innovation.

Rennes is the capital of the Brittany region, a part of France that spent much of the medieval period under English rule. The two countries plotted and schemed and occasionally fought one another until 1491, when the Duchess of Brittany married the King of France and brought the region under French control at last. Bretons still retain much of their independent spirit and unique culture to this day, and Rennes is the best place to experience Brittany and its people.

Damaged by bombing during World War II, Rennes underwent a period of rapid growth in the postwar years, a pattern that continues until this day. As recently as 1999, Rennes was the second fastest-growing city in France, after Toulouse.

Things to do in Rennes

For a relatively small city, Rennes has plenty to do. That's partly because, as the capital of a fiercely independent region, Rennes feels bigger than it is. But in fact, the center of the city is very walkable, and all the major attractions are conveniently close to one another.

• See how the city used to look at Old Rennes. A huge fire in 1720 destroyed much of the old wooden town of Rennes and saw it rebuilt in stone. But around the Cathedral, some of the old half-timber buildings survived. Now, this district is the best place to wander through the remnants of medieval Rennes and see how the city used to look.

• Explore the turbulent history of the city at Rennes Cathedral. The medieval church on this site collapsed in 1490, and the current Cathedral was built in stages from 1541 to 1704. As a result, the Cathedral is a mishmash of architectural styles that somehow all combine to make for a very impressive monument.

• Get your culture fix at the Musee de Beaux-Arts. Rennes' museum of fine arts is small but perfectly formed, with paintings by Caracci and Rubens and an extensive collection of drawings by masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Durer, Rembrandt, Picasso, and others.

• Experience the beating heart of Rennes at the Marche des Lices. This huge Saturday market has been held in the center of Rennes for centuries, and is the perfect place to try local produce and crafts and maybe pick up some unique souvenirs.

• Take a breather at the Parc du Thabor. These elegant gardens were once the grounds of a monastery, but are now the best-loved public park in Rennes. Don't miss the impressive Rose Garden that holds over 2,000 varieties of flowers.

Transit options in Rennes

• Rennes has its own airport which can be reached by train from the city in only five minutes. The nearest major airport is in Paris, around two hours away.

• Rennes Train station lies just to the south of the historic heart of the city. It provides regional services to other towns in Brittany and intercity trains to Nantes, Paris, and other French and European destinations beyond.

• Rennes has a single metro line that connects to the railway station and many of the city's most popular attractions, including the Cathedral and the Brittany Parliament building.

Luggage storage in Rennes

Rennes' compact size makes it an ideal city to explore on foot. Generally, that's the best way to experience the youthful vibe and unique culture of the city, too. But it will be much easier on your back if you drop off any unneeded baggage before you set out. Track down a Bounce luggage storage location in Rennes and leave any size of bags for as long as you like. They'll be safely waiting for you until you come to pick them up.

Activities and attractions near Rennes

• Mont Saint-Michel: Rennes is one of the closest cities to the iconic French destination of Mont Saint-Michel. This tidal island with its ancient buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of France's most photographed attractions. Dominated by its medieval abbey, Mont Saint-Michel has an almost otherworldly quality that attracts millions of visitors every year to visit this tiny island. The hilly cobblestone streets are no place for heavy bags, so make sure you leave yours at a luggage storage site in Rennes before visiting.

• La Roche-aux-Fees: The prehistoric tomb of La Roche-aux-Fees is one of France's best-preserved megalithic structures. Dating back to 3000 BC, this atmospheric gravesite is a testament to the engineering capabilities of the people who built it so long ago. The massive stones weigh tons, and yet were set in place with such precision that they are still standing 5,000 years later. We may never know exactly how or why this monument was created, but it's fun to explore the possibilities.

• Cider tour: Brittany is known for its apple orchards, and that means one thing: cider. A guided cider tour lets you see why Brittany is famed for its cider throughout France and beyond. There are so many different orchards to visit and products to sample, you're bound to find a new favorite. And you can pair it all with traditional Breton cuisine such as crepes, galettes, and fresh seafood. These tours can cover a lot of ground in the rural areas around the city, so make sure you leave any unneeded bags at a Rennes luggage storage shop before you set out.