Car Rental - Rennes

With a car rental in Rennes, France, you can experience the elegant architecture and old-world charm at your own pace. Tucked into the north-west corner of France, the city is the capital of Brittany and the perfect gateway to the area.

Rent a car in Rennes to make the most of your time in the city and explore more of this pocket of the country. With Nantes not far away and the port city of Brest within easy reach, a rental car in Rennes gives you the freedom to see many attractions as you like during your stay.

A number of our collection points are conveniently located throughout the city, including at Rennes Airport and the main train station. Reserve your car rental online to collect it in Rennes as soon as you arrive, and get on the road ready to enjoy your time in France.

As you’d expect from the capital of Brittany, Rennes is an excellent place to get a taste of some authentic French culture. With museums, galleries and parks, not to mention crêperies serving up delicious sweet and savory dishes, you’ll find many exciting attractions to explore in this bustling city – or further afield if you want to embark on a road trip in your Rennes car rental.

Historic Center

A great place to begin your visit to Rennes is the city’s atmospheric and historic center. Much of the architecture you’ll see here dates back to the 18^th century, due to a fire in 1720 destroying much of the city. Take a walk along cobbled streets, such as Le Chapitre, and admire the colorful half-timbered houses, alongside cafés where you can stop for a coffee and enjoy the view.

This part of the city is home to some of the most famous attractions in Rennes, including its neoclassical Cathédrale St-Pierre. Wander the interior and notice the similarity to Roman basilicas, with its lavish gilded ceiling, marble columns and decorating paintings.

More historical architecture can be discovered at Piscine Saint-Georges. Opened in 1926, this art deco pool dazzles with its mosaic-clad interior and grand façade. Simply come here to admire the edifice or take your swimming gear and go for a few lengths.

Peaceful Parks and Mouth-Watering Eateries

For a busy city, Rennes has a surprising number of tranquil green spaces. One of its most relaxing and beautiful areas is Parc du Thabor, a 19^th-century expanse nestled on the highest hill in the city.

Spend time roaming the rose garden, spot colorful birds in the aviary and admire the exotic plants in the botanical gardens. If you’re visiting during the annual summer festival, Les Tombées de la Nuit, the park also serves as an open-air theater where you can watch spellbinding performances.

Complete your trip to Rennes by indulging in classic Breton dishes – crêpes, sweet pancakes, and galettes, savory pancakes. Head into La Rozell for a traditional experience and feast outside in the pretty courtyard.

Island Monument

There are a host of attractions on Rennes’ doorstep. Just north of the city lies one of the most famous monuments in all of France, Mont St Michel. Park the Rennes car rental and explore this area the only way you can, on foot. This magical island monastery is set dramatically in a serene bay and can only be accessed via a footbridge.

Choosing to collect a rental car while in Rennes is the perfect idea. Encircled by the N136, the city is connected by a series of major roads, making it easy to navigate. When it comes to parking your rental car in Rennes, there are plenty of spaces available across the city. One of the best lots is Parking Vilaine, from which you can visit nearby top attractions Musée des Beaux-Arts and Cathédrale St-Pierre. Many of the streets in the center are one-way, so double check your route before setting off.

Rennes is handily linked by a network of highways, known here as autoroutes, which are largely tolled. These major routes are the ideal way to discover northern France. Remember that while in the country you’ll need to keep the rental car you collect in Rennes on the right-hand side of the road, and all passengers must wear a seatbelt.

To visit Nantes, famous for its cultural venues and historic chateau, take your rental car from Rennes along the N137 south and you’ll reach the city in 80 minutes. Vannes is a similar distance to travel via the N24 and N166. Here you can drink in the beauty of the old town and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the bustling harbor.

With a rental car in Rennes it’s also easy to explore the beaches of Brittany.. The resort of Dinard, with its popular beach Plage de l’Ecluse, is 50 minutes north along the D137. Facing Dinard across the Rance Estuary is the historic walled port city of St-Malo, another fascinating destination to explore.

For something a little closer to Rennes, visit Dinan, just a 40-minute journey via the D137. This enchanting fortified town is one of the most beautiful in all of Brittany, thanks to its well preserved ramparts and the half-timbered houses lining the cobbled streets.