Rennes

Rennes, the capital of Brittany, is best explored by bicycle, wandering between its historic centre and the quays along the Vilaine canal. The old town, with its timber-framed houses, leads to Place Sainte-Anne and the Portes Mordelaises, remnants of the former city walls. The Parliament of Brittany, an imposing classical building, and Saint-Pierre Cathedral rank among the city's key landmarks, alongside the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses collections ranging from antiquity to contemporary art. For food, the crêperie Armelle serves traditional Breton galettes, including vegetarian options, in a friendly setting. Rennes also serves as a convenient base for exploring Brittany further afield: Saint-Malo lies around an hour's drive away, as do Dinan and Dinard, while Mont-Saint-Michel, Cancale, Cap Fréhel and the castles of Fougères and Vitré all make for good day trips. The city thus combines architectural heritage, cultural life and easy access to the emblematic sites of the Breton coast and countryside.