Rennes

Rennes, my city! I live in Rennes for 20 years now, so it seems natural to conclude this tour of Brittany by this city especially since it is in the heart of Brittany. To complete your stay and go home (if you live in England), you can return to Saint-Malo in less than an hour by car or train (about 15 €). There are also buses for those who want to save money.

Rennes being the capital, is the most populous city of Brittany with around 210 000 inhabitants. In this article I'm going to make you discover all the little magical places in Rennes not to be missed!

I think the best way to discover the city is to walk on foot in the city. Just take a sunny day and let loose along the cobbles streets through town.

• The old Town

Rennes is composed of several neighborhoods as nice as each other. The facades of the old town date from the 15th and 16th century. These streets are home to all kinds of shops and small stores, restaurants, bars, galleries of art, etc. But I say no more I leave you with some pictures that I hope will give you the desire to discover:

Rue Saint George

Place Champ Jacquet

Here are some key streets:
- Rue Saint George
- Place Champ Jacquet
- Rue de la Monnaie
- Rue Saint-Sauveur
- Rue du Chapitre
- Etc.

If you walk in the city, you can also perceive "Les Portes Mordelaises" (the Mordelaises doors) that match the remains of the ramparts of Rennes. It was one of the four entrances to the city of Rennes. Today Les Portes Mordelaises kept all their charm with the draw bridge surrounded by the building and two large towers. Above the front door is a stone engraved with a coat of arms: two lions on each side of a spear. This is the flag of the Dukes of Monfort who ruled over Britain from 1364 to 1514.

Front face: Les Portes Mordelaises

Rear side: Les Portes Mordelaises

• Bars and restaurants

The center has a multitude of bars, bistros and restaurants. I can not present all but I decided to show you the ones I prefer and especially a place where you can take a break and have a drink, eat ice cream on the terrace, stop at a crêperie (if you do not know not that type of restaurant, check out the article on Saint-Malo). I think the Place Saint Anne summarizes very well all that one can find in terms of bars and small restaurants. It is a well known place and attracts many tourists. Moreover, this site has access to the metro so very easy to access. Here a picture: 

Place Saint Anne

• Some essential parts

During your walks do not hesitate to stop at Place de la Mairie (Town Hall Square), Place du Parlement (Parliament Square), Place Hoche, Place Charles de Gaulle with a big cinema and library "Les Champs Libres", but also Le Parc du Thabor (Tabor Park)! Here some pictures:

Place de la Mairie

Place du Parlement

Library: Les Champs Libres

Parc du Thabor

Parc du Thabor

There you go ! Our tour of Britain's over! I think with all the different stages previous city you can easily discover the essential charm of this beautiful region. Of course, nothing prevents you to make more stops in the heart of the land and extend your stay!
If there is a city that interests you and which I have not mentioned, please feel free to comment and I can help you!

Pont-Aven // Baden

Pont-Aven is a town located on the south coast of Brittany. The journey between Douarnenez and Baden offers several possibilities. You can go through towns known in Brittany as Quimper, Pont-Aven, Guidel or Lorient. What I offer you is to stop in Pont-Aven, a city famous for its biscuit factory. One of my fondest childhood memories is the visit of this city several years ago. Of course, you can directly go in Baden or Guidel, you are free to explore!

Pont-Aven

• Biscuit factory

A real childhood dream! The biscuits manufactured in Pont-Aven are sold throughout Britain and some shops of Regions nearby. The manufacture of these biscuits is happening in a house of the XIXth century, called "L'Atelier de la Galette".

"L'Atelier de la Galette": the biscuit factory

The factory can be visited to discover some trade secrets. A tasting is also planned for the end of the visit. The store at the outlet offers all manufactured biscuits. These biscuits are of course typically Breton. One of the main ingredients is the salted butter caramel, you can also find one of Breton specialties which I had already spoken in the article about Saint-Malo: Kouign Amann but also the famous "crêpes dentelle" (lace pancakes).

Galettes

Crêpes dentelle

Galette with salted butter caramel

On the official website, you can buy online these delicious biscuits.

• Windmills

Pont-Aven is also a city known for its windmills, this is a rare city in Britain to have mills still operating: 14. These mills are used for the manufacture of local products. Let yourself go to many walks the edge of a watercourse conducting usually to a mill. Change of scenery guaranteed.

Moulin du Grand Poulguin

Pont-Aven is a city full of surprises, this is also an opportunity to go back with full of memories and so discover a part of Britain to your loved ones! Do not be afraid to take a few kilos!

Douarnenez

Douarnenez is one of my favorite cities. I think this is a perfect opportunity to rest before tackling the southern coast of Brittany. Like most small towns in Brittany, Douarnenez offers the typical activities such as walks, tours with surprising stories, boat trips and especially water activities.

So I decided to focus on the "zen" aspect of the city, that is to say the best places to sleep, but also to eat, do not forget!

This side of the harbor is very famous in the region, with the colorful facades. 

Where to eat ?!

• Traditional cooking

Le Prieuré: this restaurant offers a warm and friendly atmosphere where you can taste local cuisine that emphasizes essential with Breton fresh produce: fish from the coast, seafood, etc.  The restaurant also has a hotel function, feel free to relax here!

• The perfect mix

La crêperie "La Capitainerie": this is the perfect mix because this restaurant is both a brasserie, a crêperie and also offers a variety of dishes composed of local seafood. But that's not all! In the afternoon the establishment is also transformed into a tea room, a great opportunity to taste the ice-cream and chocolate maker talent of the owners.

La Capitainerie

Many pancake turns into tearooms, feel free to stroll along the beaches to find nice places to delight your taste buds.

Where to sleep ?!

As usual, I prefer to show you the locations or houses so that you discover the charms of the Brittany but you are free to choose. Here is a link allowing you to easily find and choose the type of accommodation you want.

• Houses or apartments for rent

For this category, I suggest you visit the website above for the offers vary according to demand but also the desired period. Your turn to play!

• Hotels

Le Clos de Vallombreuse: this is without doubt the most beautiful and majestic hotel of Douarnenez. This is a quality domain, offering quiet swimming pool spacious green areas. You will not be disappointed with the view. The romantic atmosphere awaits you. A relaxing spa area is also available.

Hotel: Le Clos de Vallombreuse

Hôtel Le Bretagne: hotel situated in the city centre. Less expansive than the Clos de Vallombreuse, between 49€ and 78€ for 2 persons per night because there are 3 types of rooms: eco, standard and confort. For an eco room it is around 49€ for 2 with free wifi, television, telephone and shower in the bedroom. Le Bretagne also has a spa to relax. 

Hotel: Le Bretagne

I hope you can go to Douarnenez and do not hesitate to ask me if you have questions!
The next article will be about Baden, a town where I had the chance to spend several holidays.