Races in Rennes

Welcome to Rennes, capital of Ille-et-Vilaine, one of France’s most dynamic cities. It’s impossible to get bored in the largest city in Brittany, regularly well ranked among the best places to live, offering a delicious blend of medieval heritage, cultural discovery and running !

Running in Rennes also takes on a historical twist, especially since the city is officially labeled a City of Art and History. If you have a good sense of direction, you’ll be able to admire up to 90 historic buildings and monuments. You can also pass by the Mordelaise Gates and the City Hall, or visit between two running outings the Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Museum of Fine Arts. If you still have a bit of time, the Opera House, the Convent of the Rabby Jacobins (careful not to confuse it with the one in Toulouse) and the Parliament of Brittany are well worth a look ! And what if you stopped by the Inhabited Wall? It’s an original architectural project, located along the railway line: a wooden-and-glass sound barrier wall designed to host craft makers’ workshop-shops. Local craftsmanship and hand arts are showcased in the finest way. Rennes for shopping (we had to do it). A great plan ahead, right ?

Your walks will show you that the city is particularly committed on the environmental front and emphasizes green spaces and wooded landscapes (in fact, 17% of the city’s area is green space 😮 ). You can plan great Nordic walking along the banks of the Vilaine or in the Thabor Park and its 10 hectares, blending French formal gardens with an English-style landscaped park. In short, an idyllic spot. After a stop at the Parc des Princes Parc des Gayeulles, the “Rennes Central Park”, make the most of your stay by planning an urban trail through the cobbled lanes of the historic center, with a stop at Place des Lices to see its market, one of the largest in the country. You’ll be able to spot Rennes’ famous half-timbered houses dating back to the Middle Ages. There are around 300 that survived the devastating fire of 1720! No way you’re leaving the city if you haven’t seen them all, okay! If you’re looking for other places to lengthen your stride, don’t move—Rennes has more than one trick up its sleeve with the little houses in the Saint Martin Meadows (where you might run into Scottish cows), the Bonnets Rouges English Promenade (right in the city center), or a bit further west with the Apigné ponds, which even offer a beach (when we tell you there’s no need to go to the Maldives... 🤣). Bonus: the weather is ideal for running ! Even though Rennes is only 1h30 from Paris, winters are fairly mild and you can clearly get a nice tan in summer. Well, we’re still in Brittany—your raincoat isn’t optional. And after you’ve warmed up properly, it’s time to take a look at Rennes’ race calendar. You’ll be able to take part in the Rennes urban trail short, the Rennes Marathon or the Tout Rennes Court. 

You’ve toured the “red city” and you’re looking for more space? Head west (toward Boston) to explore the mythical Brocéliande Forest! If that’s not enough, continue on to the Ocean—Brittany’s beaches are waiting for you! If you’re after the calm vibe of preserved villages, then head to Bécherel (take the opportunity to review grammar) or Combourg (the cradle of Romanticism). You can also add a touch of the unusual to your stay by visiting Lohéac, a tiny village that turns out to be a major hub for motorsport !

Feeling peckish? Get ready to stock up on calories ! To recover from your efforts, you can enjoy a good frigousse with its mix of chicken, pigeon, duck or beef, browned in a pan with Breton butter and splashed with cider to change from the classic “Galette-Saucisse”. More into sweet? The parlementin, an almond pastry, will delight your taste buds. Our little favorite goes to the cookies from Fournil Vasselot (it’s an institution!). And if you’re really too thirsty during your races, head to Rue Saint-Michel, a major hotspot of Rennes nightlife. Rennes by night, of course !