Rennes, the capital of the Brittany region and a city of art and history, offers visitors a wealth of fantastic architecture in its old town, from medieval and Renaissance houses to majestic classical buildings. The historic center is lovely to wander around with its typical paved streets, lively squares lined with café terraces, crêperies, and shops.
Not far from the 15th-century Portes Mordelaises gate, formerly the city's main entrance (and through which the Dukes of Brittany passed when Rennes was their seat), is Saint-Pierre cathedral, a richly-decorated 19th-century building. There are also many must-see squares, including the Place du Champ-Jacquet with its particularly picturesque old timber-framed houses, the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Place du Parlement de Bretagne, Place de la République with its old trade palace, and Place des Lices, with its covered market.
The Parlement de Bretagne palace was meticulously restored after a fire in 1994, and the Town Hall is open to the public.
