Rennes

About

Starting as a humble Gallic village over 2000 years ago, Rennes grew into the capital of Brittany, and is now a vibrant university town. Because of a major fire in 1720, Rennes’ old town is a web of medieval buildings and vibrantly painted half-timbered houses mixed with 18th century stone structures and fine mansions. The Cathedral of Saint-Pierre has retained its original 16th century facade, though the rest of the cathedral was rebuilt in the 18th-19th centuries. Inside, visitors will find a 16th century grand-altarpiece among the many columns of the neo-Classical interior. Outside the medieval quarter, visitors are treated to the many luxurious buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Musée des Beaux-Arts, like many French museums, exhibits masterpieces seized during the Revolution. The 18th-century historian Christophe-Paul de Robien’s collection of exquisite Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman artefacts are kept in good company with works by Rubens, Rembrandt, da Vinci, and Picasso.