Rennes has rich architectural heritage from 20 centuries of local history : Roman and Celtic settlements first, it became a bishopric as early as the 5th century.

The growing medieval town was a residence for the Dukes of Brittany and became the capital city after 1532. It offers varied atmosphere in different parts : surviving medieval half-timbered houses or reconstructed classical-style stone buildings from after the Great Fire of 1720, as well as modern ones from after WWII bombings.

The main attractions are the St-Pierre cathedral, the Palace of Justice with its old Parliament, the Town Hall with its clock tower and the relaxing Thabor gardens. Nowadays, 60.000 university students live in this bustling town amongst a total population of 400.000.