Eat, Drink, Explore: Rennes

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN RENNES

Rumor has it that it’s practically illegal to leave the French region of Brittany without eating your weight in crepes. Good thing Brittany’s capital city, Rennes, is loaded with crêperies along its centuries-old cobblestone streets. Here crepes come in two forms: those prepared with wheat flour and stuffed with chocolate, fruit, or whipped cream; and those prepared with buckwheat flour and filled with eggs, meat, cheese, or vegetables. Whether you choose sweet or savory, you’ll have no trouble eating your fill of crepes in Rennes!

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Rennes

Here are some of the top traditional foods to try while you're studying in Rennes:

• Galette-saucisse: The Galette-saucisse is a Rennes classic, and obviously a must-try for those studying abroad there. It's a savory, grilled pork sausage wrapped in a warm buckwheat crêpe. You’ll find vendors selling them all over the city, especially during festivals or after a football match, and it makes a perfect midday snack!
• Sweet Crêpes: While you might have had crêpes before, trying one in Brittany is a whole different experience. Unlike the savory buckwheat crêpe, these are made from wheat flour and are a perfect sweet treat. You can get them filled with anything from Nutella and banana to local salted caramel, and they're a beloved staple of the region!
• Kouign-amann: If you love butter, you will love this delightful pastry. Kouign-amann, which means "butter cake" in the local Breton language, is a dense, buttery, and flaky pastry with caramelized sugar. It's a decadent and rich treat that is a specialty of the region, and trying a fresh one from a local bakery in Rennes is truly an unforgettable experience. 

BEST DRINK IN RENNES

Rue Saint-Michel is legendary in Rennes. Dubbed la rue de la soif (the street of thirst) by locals, this historic stretch of real estate is lined with 15th-century buildings that have been transformed into bars and cafés. Take a stroll down Rue Saint-Michel and enjoy a citron pressé (pressed lemonade) at one of the many quaint cafés. The fun part is, you get to mix your own lemonade. A server will bring you a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a shaker of sugar, cold water, and ice cubes. Blend the ingredients together until you achieve the perfect sweet to tart ratio.  

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Rennes

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Rennes:

• Cider (Cidre): Forget wine...in Brittany, it is all about cider! This is the most famous drink of the region, and it is the perfect partner for your galettes and crêpes. Breton cider is a fizzy and refreshing alcoholic drink made from fermented apples. You’ll find it in every crêperie and bar, served in a traditional bowl or glass.
• Chouchen: Chouchen is a unique alcoholic beverage that’s similar to mead, made by fermenting honey. This traditional Celtic drink has a sweet yet potent flavor. Trying a glass of Chouchen is a great way to experience a piece of Brittany's ancient traditions and local flavor!
• Pommeau de Bretagne: This is an amazing aperitif that shows off Brittany's apple-growing culture in a new way. Pommeau de Bretagne is a fortified drink made by mixing fresh apple juice with apple brandy. It's often served chilled before a meal and has a sweet, fruity flavor. 

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN RENNES

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, exercise, or simply enjoy nature, visit the “Central Park of Rennes,” Thabor Park. Spanning twenty-five beautifully landscaped acres, Thabor Park features a botanical garden, a French garden, an English garden, an aviary, a rose garden with 2,000 varieties of roses, a cave, waterfalls, and a running track. There’s even a theater where music festivals are held every Sunday in the summer. Take a break from the cobblestone streets of Rennes and absorb its lovely greenspace!

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Rennes

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Rennes:

• Parc du Thabor: Parc du Thabor is a beautiful public garden that is a favorite spot for locals and students to chill out. It's a peaceful oasis with manicured lawns, a stunning rose garden, and even a small aviary you can explore. This park is the ultimate spot to have a picnic with friends and soak in the relaxed vibe of Rennes!
• Marché des Lices: If you are in Rennes on a Saturday morning, you definitely have to go to Marché des Lices. This is one of the largest and oldest markets in all of France, and there you will find a wide variety of local farmers selling fresh produce, amazing food stalls, and flowers. It is the best place to get a feel for the city’s local community and fantastically rich food culture!
• Centre Historique de Rennes: For a true taste of old-world charm, get lost in Rennes's historic center. This area is a maze of cobblestone streets and beautiful, colorful medieval half-timbered houses that feel straight out of a storybook. It is the heart of the city’s history and a great spot to find cozy bars, local shops, and amazing crêperies. It is perfect for a day of wandering. 

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