Arrival, information and accommodation
France > Brittany > Eastern > Rennes > Information

A fast, efficient and ultra-clean new Metro system opened in 2002 (Mon–Sat 5–0.45am, Sun 7.15–0.45am); the most useful stops for tourists are at the gare SNCF, the place de la République, and the place Sainte-Anne. Any one-way journey costs €1, or you can ride all day for €3, and all week for €8.70. Alternatively, the town council provides free bikes for visitors –up to seven hours on receipt of a €76 deposit – from a kiosk on the quai Duguay-Trouin in the central place de la République (daily 9am–7pm; tel 02.96.79.63.72).

The tourist office stands in a disused church, the Chapelle St-Yves, just north of the river at 11 rue St-Yves (April–Sept Mon–Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 11am–6pm; Oct–March Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 11am–6pm; tel 02.99.67.11.11). Internet access is available in the main post office, on the place de la République (Mon–Fri 8am–7pm, Sat 8am–noon; tel 02.99.79.50.71) and at Next Generation Cyber Café, 36 rue d'Antrain (Mon–Sat 11am–8pm; tel 02.99.27.09.72).

Unfortunately, there are surprisingly few hotels in the old part of Rennes. If you've arrived by train or bus, it's easier to settle for staying south of the river, near the gares SNCF and routière. Contact the tourist office if you plan to spend the weekend here; under the Bon Week-end scheme, you can get two nights' accommodation for the price of one.