Things to see and do Ille-Et-Vilaine

Old Rennes is just beautiful and it is sweet to soak up this past that still shines through in the city today, especially since it was partly destroyed by the flames. To discover it, walk from the town hall square, built by Gabriel in 1734. Then wander through the narrow streets of old Rennes, lined with half-timbered houses with picturesque architecture: there is so much to see. You can discover the rue du Chapitre and its Renaissance houses. At number 17, you will find a 17th century house with Flemish and Hispanic inspired door panels. Admire the carved wooden lintels at number 20. Also discover the Saint-Yves chapel, which houses a permanent exhibition on Rennes' heritage and of course the tourist office. Then, the rue de la Psalette stands out with its sculpted characters. Beautiful houses still await you in this winding and charming alleyway. At number 12, admire the ochre and red studs. Discover Saint-Sauveur church again because you will find a votive painting that recalls the great fire of 1720, and Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle, protecting the city on fire by appearing on Place des Lices and rue Saint-Michel. Along the way, visit St. Peter's Cathedral, where Anne of Brittany was crowned Duchess of Brittany at the age of 13. Then go up through the Mordelaises gates and walk up and down Place des Lices. Then go to Place Sainte-Anne and discover the mosaics of the old facades.

A symbol of Saint-Malo, the ermine leaves for a moment the flag and coat of arms of the city to guide you through its historic centre. There is no need for a plan or guide, just follow the nails with its effigy - no less than 150 - scattered here and there in the city. They will lead you to explanatory terminals - 42 in total, including 35 panels and 7 desks - where you can learn a little more about the history and anecdotes of Saint-Malo. Each borne has a flashcode that allows you to have more details on your smartphone.

Tariff: free.

Duration: 2 h.

Difficulty: .

The Republic Square will be reborn in 2025. For the moment, it is this vast crossroads of buses and pedestrians that pass through the city's most central metro station. Here stands the Palace of Commerce, built between 1885 and 1929, which housed the Posts and Telegraphs on the one hand and the Trade Exchange on the other. It is the work of Jean-Baptiste Martenot and Emmanuel Le Ray. The central pavilion, square in plan, open to traffic on the ground floor, surmounted by a floor, housed the city's festival hall. The Palais du Commerce currently houses the Central Post Office, the city has launched a call for projects to transform the functions of this building by 2025. In the centre, the layout of the square offers small shops, benches and vegetable shelves, you can stop in the heart of the Rennes hustle and bustle. But more than just talking about the square, it is the neighbourhood that is of great interest. It is true that the whole district revolves around the Palace of Commerce (Post Office building) up to the Emile Zola High School, where the review of the trial of Captain Dreyfus was held. Behind the Place de la République, there is the Marché Central, a daily market renamed the Auction, and the semi-pedestrian rue Vasselot, which is full of small restaurants and shops. Also discover the remains of the former Carmelite convent at number 34. Walk along the rue du Pré-Botté in which the Ouest-France building stands. Don't forget to take a detour to the Musée des Beaux-Arts on Quai Emile-Zola, which traces the history of painting from the 14th century to the present day.

A unique testimony of Roman basilica in Brittany, the cathedral of Saint-Pierre is a must. Its origin dates back to the 6th century. Crossed by many influences, it has undergone profound changes over the centuries. Few traces remain today of the 12th century Gothic church. In 1754, the choir collapsed and a new cathedral was built. The present neoclassical building has a five-storey façade and an interior rich with 44 columns crowned with Ionic capitals and an exceptional 16th-century altarpiece.

A thousand ideas are proposed to spend a good stay in this tourist office located in an atypical place: an old forge of the XVIIth century. You will find a variety of information on accommodation, restaurants, various leisure activities or on upcoming events. You will be offered the IGN North Brittany guide, the map of the Villecartier forest,or a jar of pommé, a local specialty of new cider and apples, with a taste of caramel and prune.

The famous forest of Fougères is a place of walk not to be missed. Composed mainly of oaks and beeches, the forest, which still contains some megalithic remains such as the cordon of druids or the curled stone (a dolmen with a gallery), was once the landmark of the Chouans during the Revolution. Discover the 12th century Landéan cellar, which is a vaulted underground room supported by eleven arches. Legend has it that the two staircases leading to it would connect the cellars to the castle of Fougères. This forest now covers 1,500 hectares and is made up of the woods of La Motte, Rumignon and even the forest of Villecartier. On site, you can take a healthy route, hiking trails such as those of the Old Castles, the Long Christmas, the Roman Way, the Pierre Enfouie or the Pierre Courcoulée, not to mention the mountain bike trails. To experience a great adventure with friends or family, participate in a geocaching session. This is a virtual treasure hunt where you have to discover clues via an application to install on your smartphone. In the heart of the forest, there is also an activity and leisure centre called Le Chênedet, which has existed since 1978. It offers a variety of activities and playgrounds for children. A little something extra in summer: a supervised swimming area will delight holidaymakers. For more information on hiking trails and geocaching, do not hesitate to contact the Fougères tourist office.

This little train all dressed in white is called theOriental Express . It offers a fun, guided ride (40 minutes) perfect for the whole family. Let yourself be surprised by the high roofs, the paved courtyards, the castle and some stories of the city. The visit starts at the foot of the castle and continues through the garden that the illustrious Balzac, Chateaubriand or Hugo appreciated in their time before ending in the lower town and its half-timbered houses.

From Dinard, take direction Saint-Lunaire, the tip is indicated, dredge and sex in the creek, on the rocks, and in the blockhaus, mainly late in the afternoon.

Classified as a Historic Monument, the castle, built from the 11th century, has changed a lot over the course of history. The Romanesque chapel, the oldest part of the castle, is now a magnificent exhibition space for contemporary art, Les 3 CHA. The main dwelling, built in the 14th century, is partly home to the Châteaugiron town hall. The guided tour offers an immersion in the fascinating history of the castle by admiring the different towers (1 h 30 of visit). This discovery of the fortress can also be done at night.

The telegraph line of Saint-Marcan was decided in 1797 to help the invasion of Britain projected by the Executive Board, and today constitutes a real historic heritage. Located in the village of the Mass, the station was rehabilitated to operate and issue signals as at the time. You can visit the station, see the arms of the telegraph and see an exhibition about the history of telegraphy.