Fairs and exhibitions Ille-Et-Vilaine

September weekends are great for strolling and bargain hunting! In Rennes, the biggest braderie is the one on the Canal Saint Martin, where you can lose yourself in the local streets or stroll along the banks filled with people and vendors. The "Foire aux objets insolites" is launched at this flagship event of the Rennes year. It's true that this is France's second-largest braderie, after Lille's, and it's a source of great pride in the Breton capital. Organized for the first time in 1968, this annual garage sale attracts over 200,000 bargain hunters along the Canal Saint-Martin, in search of a rare object, a golden bargain, a toy for the kids, or simply a stroll along the canal. The stallholders offer surprises and items from their attics, some of which are highly unusual, others totally surprising. Although the Braderie du Canal is an institution in the Rennes town square, it has lost some of its lustre over the years: for security reasons, the perimeter has tended to shrink. But it's still a must for shopping, strolling, drinking, seeing friends, eating and having fun. The people of Rennes love this long day in September, which sounds like a reminder of the vacations and whispers in their ears the imperative need to take time out and indulge themselves at very reasonable prices.

To travel without leaving the capital of Brittany, visit the Foire internationale de Rennes. This event welcomes over 100,000 visitors every winter for ten days of festivities and exhibitions, with a star destination each year. From England to the Caribbean, via the USA and Japan, plunge into the heart of a country's culture through several universes: gastronomy, furnishings, housing, tourism, well-being... 400 exhibitors are gathered on 255,000 m² spread over 11 halls. Enough to awaken all your senses. Next stop: Portugal!

Christmas takes on many colors and the Christmas market is to be put in the plural! With the Mail market, you are immersed in the festivities with the Ferris wheel which overhangs the city and illuminates it at night. A place that deserves a little look and especially a visit with the family. The exhibitors, sheltered in their wooden chalets, are generally very friendly and chat easily with every good soul who passes by. Handicrafts figure prominently: from perfumes to wooden decorative objects, from jewelry to hats and shawls for the ladies... This market also attracts a lot of gourmets for the French local products: sausages, cold cuts, cheeses, tartiflettes... It is the occasion to drink a mulled wine while strolling between the exhibitors' chalets. Christmas villages are also set up on the Dovecote slab and on the Place du Parlement during the festivities.

For three weeks every December, Place Hoche plays host to this not-to-be-missed event dedicated to local craftsmanship, organized by the Renn'arts collective. Come stroll and do your Christmas shopping under a vast marquee to meet local talent. From natural cosmetics to textile creations, leather goods, painting, ceramics and shoemaking, a wide range of crafts will be on show, demonstrating the skill and creativity of some forty local artisans. A temple of surprises dedicated to local, handcrafted gifts to wow your loved ones this holiday season!