Rennes is the capital of Brittany, and the city has a long history as a poliitcal and commercial centre, due to its situation at the confluence of the Vilaine and Ille rivers. This location was reflected in the Celtic name given to the city by its original inhabitants, Condate (confluent). Later settled by the Romans in the 3rd century BC and known as Civitas Riedonum, Rennes grew into a major fortified city. Remains of this past can now be seen in the Tour Duchesne and Portes Mordelaises. The city was subject to many territorial battles in the Middle Ages. Unfortunately, most of the city's medieval architecture was destroyed by fire in 1720, but excellent examples of the timber-framed houses can still be see at the Place Sainte-Anne and several other areas of the town's historic centre.
The centre of Rennes is bisected by the Vilaine river. In the historic centre of the city, you will find Le Parlement de Bretagne (Brittany parliament), an imposing 17th-century law court which is considered the main historical attraction of the city. Near the train station, you will find another civic centre, Les Champs Libres. Part of a program of investment in arts and culture, this building houses three attractions. Espace des Sciences offers the fascinating Merlin's Laboratory, an exhibit of 30 science experiments, as well as a planetarium. The Museum of Brittany displays artifacts and holds presentations on the history of the region. The third attraction in the building is the expansive City Library, with six floors of books.
Rennes has plenty of shopping on offer, with three shopping malls in the city centre: Colombia, Les 3 Soleils and La Visitation. North of the Vilaine, start in the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville and continue through the medieval district, which is given over the shops and boutiques. South of the Vilaine, the Place Commeurec hosts a covered market, and you can head to Rue Vasselot to pick up specialty foods.
For a special day out from Rennes, take the train to the nearby medieval town of Fougères, or out to the coast for St. Malo or Dinard.
