At night the university town of Rennes comes alive. The boys swash and buckle in street corners, drinking, fighting, and vying for the attention of any pretty young girl that shimmers past them. The lecturers, meanwhile, hurry past their inglorious students, away from the aptly nicknamed rue de la Soif, to find themselves a quiet corner in the oldest wine bar in town, Le Nabuchodonosor. The floor is pock-marked, the tables are worn and wooded and the wines - endless wines - are chalked up on the board above them. Here, pressed into dark corners, they sit, devouring gossip and chat, till the small hours. Go join them – as the night closes in they’ll pull you over to their table and share with you their huge plates of bread, cheese and cold meats. Never mind that your French is dire – their animated English improves with each bottle that you buy, and drink together.

12 rue Hoche, Rennes
+33(0)2 99 27 07 58
Google map: bit.ly/sLceJW

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Rennes has got its own local version of the hot-dog: the galette saucisse. Not really French cuisine as you would picture it but perfect before a football match in the Route de Lorient stadium.

Any town/sports event in Rennes and its region

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If you are fed up of galettes and crepes (I don't think this is possible but let's suppose so), go to Chez Dede, the pizzeria serving the largest pizzas in Rennes. The "tire-fesses" is particularly worth trying with reblochon cheese. Plus you get a Carambar if you manage to finish your pizza!

34, Rue Sainte Mélaine, 35000 Rennes
+33 2 99 87 10 83
Google map: bit.ly/qKOL5q

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Nestled in a valley of the River Sals, Rennes-les-Bains is a picturesque retreat for those in search of relaxation. This Roman spa town is host to a Turkish bath and to both hot and cold springs with the strong bath or 'le bain fort' reaching temperatures of up to 46°C, perfect for soaking in on a chilly winter's night. The popular waters are still used today as a natural cure for joint problems and skin conditions, a treatment that dates back thousands of years.

11190 Rennes-les-Bains, France
Google map: bit.ly/h4Vt2o

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends