Rennes in 1 Day for Families - Start at Square Hyacinthe-Lorette and see the Gallo-Roman wall
In Collaboration with Ciceru. Updated on January 31, 2026.
A 1.5-hour self-guided, gamified walking tour for families (recommended ages 5+) — solve riddles on your phone as you visit Rennes' historic highlights from Square Hyacinthe-Lorette to Palais Saint‑Georges. No app required; activate your ticket at ciceru.com/start and follow audio/text in your preferred language.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Ciceru, inspired by the tour Rennes Interactive City tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Start at Square Hyacinthe-Lorette and see the Gallo-Roman wall
- Step through the medieval Porte Mordelaise
- Visit Cathédrale Saint-Pierre and the Parlement de Bretagne
- Discover timber-framed houses at Place du Champ-Jacquet
- Finish in the gardens of Palais Saint-Georges
Itinerary
Day 1
Self-guided family walking tour (approx. 1 hr 30 min). Start at Square Hyacinthe-Lorette. Bring a charged phone and lightweight rain jacket—May in Rennes can be changeable.
Meet & Start — Square Hyacinthe-Lorette (Gallo‑Roman wall)
Begin at Square Hyacinthe-Lorette. Learn about the Gallo-Roman wall and the early defensive history of Rennes while starting your Ciceru audio/text guide and first family riddle.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended for kids aged 5+ — allow a few minutes to explain the game to younger children before you start.
- There are benches along the square for quick rests; the surface is uneven (cobbles), so hold little ones' hands.
- Activate your Ciceru ticket at ciceru.com/start here — mobile signal is usually fine; carry a small power bank for peace of mind.
Portes Mordelaises — medieval city gate
Walk to the nearby Porte (Porte Mordelaise) and explore the medieval gateway that once guarded Rennes. Kids will enjoy imagining knights and city defenders while solving the next riddle.
Tips from local experts:
- The gate area can be breezy — keep an extra layer for children; May mornings are cool.
- Watch for bicycle traffic on the adjacent lanes; use the pedestrian crossings with kids.
- If the kids like games, give them a simple 'look-for' task (e.g., spot a particular carving) to keep them engaged between audio clues.
Cathédrale Saint‑Pierre — cathedral visit
Short stop at Cathédrale Saint-Pierre to admire the facade and learn about the cathedral's historic role in Rennes. Audio commentary highlights key architectural details suitable for kids and adults.
Tips from local experts:
- Interior visits may require quiet — prepare children with a small activity (e.g., sketching a window) to keep them calm.
- Public toilets are nearby on Rue de la Monnaie (useful for families) — check before continuing the route.
- The cathedral steps are useful for photos; pick a shady spot if the sun is strong in late spring afternoons.
Place du Champ‑Jacquet — timber-framed houses
Stroll to Rue du Champ-Jacquet and Place du Champ‑Jacquet to see the iconic half-timbered houses. The audio guide tells the story of Jean Leperdit — great local history for curious kids.
Tips from local experts:
- The narrow streets are photogenic but can be busy — keep a close eye on children and strollers (note: route not stroller-friendly; baby carrier recommended).
- Look for small plaques on buildings that the audio will reference — make it a mini scavenger hunt for kids.
- If a quick snack is needed, buy pastries from a nearby boulangerie (many open by 10:00) and eat on a bench in the square.
Snack & rest — Place du Parlement de Bretagne (short break)
Take a 10-minute break at Place du Parlement de Bretagne. Families can rest on benches, enjoy a quick snack, and prepare for the next section of the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Public toilets are located near the Parlement — helpful with children; check the nearest entrance points.
- Benches and open space let kids stretch; if the weather is cool, this is a good moment for a light snack and to re-layer.
- If anyone needs a souvenir sticker or simple prize for finishing a riddle, local market stalls nearby sometimes sell small keepsakes.
Parlement de Bretagne — grand façade and stories
Explore the grand façade of the Parlement de Bretagne. The audio explains the building's role and dramatic history — an engaging stop for older children interested in stories.
Tips from local experts:
- Children enjoy counting columns or spotting sculptures — turn commentary into a simple quiz to keep them focused.
- The square in front has space for kids to move; avoid the steps when wet (cobbled surfaces can be slippery in spring rain).
- If using public transport to return later, République/Parlement tram stop is a short walk — note its location for accessibility.
Rennes Town Hall — Pl. de la Mairie
Visit the neoclassical Hôtel de Ville at Pl. de la Mairie and hear the story of Rennes' revival after the 1720 fire. A good photo stop for families.
Tips from local experts:
- There are sheltered areas near the Town Hall if a sudden spring shower starts; keep a light rain cover handy.
- The plaza surface is even in parts (better for kids who need to run briefly) — still supervise close to traffic lanes.
- Ask children to pick their favourite architectural detail and share during the next riddle to encourage observation skills.
Place de la République & Palais du Commerce
Continue to Place de la République to see the Palais du Commerce and the historic marketplace area; learn how these spaces evolved from commerce to culture.
Tips from local experts:
- The area often has street performers in warmer weather (May) — these are family-friendly and fun for kids but keep a small amount of change if you wish to tip.
- There are cafés close by if you want an extended snack—but for this itinerary keep the stop brief to finish on time.
- Point out differences between the market square and the medieval streets you saw earlier — a simple way to tie the story together for children.
Église Saint‑Germain — stained glass & relics
Quick visit to the Saint‑Germain Church to admire stained-glass windows and learn about preserved relics mentioned in the guide—great quiet stop for curious kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Interior spaces ask for quiet behaviour — give children a drawing task (e.g., colour the window they liked best) to keep engagement respectful.
- Check opening times before entering (some churches close midday) — May usually sees regular opening hours but do a quick confirmation.
- If anyone needs to warm up, the church interior is often calmer and slightly warmer than outside on a cool spring day.
Finish — Palais Saint‑Georges gardens (end point)
End the tour in the gardens of Palais Saint‑Georges. Let kids run in the green space while you wrap up the final riddle and celebrate completing the trail.
Tips from local experts:
- Palais Saint‑Georges gardens are a great place for a picnic — consider bringing a small blanket and a snack if the family wants to stay longer.
- There is grassy space for kids to burn off energy and benches for caregivers; supervise near planted areas to protect flowerbeds.
- If you plan to continue exploring, Parc du Thabor is a short walk away and perfect for playground time or a longer family rest.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 10 |
| Total Places | 10 |
| Activities Types | Outdoor, Attraction, Culture, Break |