I can’t tell you how therapeutic a leisurely green walk can be—especially in a charming city like Rennes. Today, I’m thrilled to share my adventures in five outstanding parks and gardens that have become personal favorites for those blissful afternoon strolls. Three are plazas I’ve explored firsthand, rich with delightful details and real emotions. Then, I’ll recommend three additional verdant gems—each offering unique entertainment and moments of peace. I’ll walk you through their locations, how I got there from the airport and train station, entertainment possibilities, my honest experiences, plus the pros and cons, and suggestions for making the most of your visit. Let’s wander!
1. Parc du Thabor – The Green Heartbeat of Rennes
Location & Access
Nestled in the city center at Place Saint-Melaine, Parc du Thabor spans a generous 10 hectares and blends a French formal garden, English landscape, botanical garden, aviary, bandstand, and rose garden—all designed by Denis Bühler in the 19th century.
- From Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport, I hopped on the bus 57 to “Parc du Thabor” stop—about a 20-minute trip.
- From Rennes train station, the Métro Line A to Sainte-Anne followed by a 10-minute walk through rue Saint-Melaine was both scenic and convenient.
Activities & Atmosphere
This is my go-to when I want to slow down completely: I’ve sat by the rose garden, inhaling hundreds of fragrant blossoms; wandered through the aviary spotting colorful birds; chased ducks by the waterfall cascade; and enjoyed a mini-concert at the bandstand on a summer evening.
My Impressions
I’ll never forget the first time I encountered the rose garden—thousands of petals in riotous color, the scent like liquid sunshine in my lungs. The botanical garden’s 3,000+ species felt like a globe-trotting hug. And the carousel—such joyous simplicity.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Free entry, beautifully maintained, excellent for all ages, accessible paths and dog-friendly zones.
- Cons: Difficult parking near Place Saint-Melaine; weekends can be busy—early morning or weekday visits work best.
Entertainment: Kids can enjoy playgrounds and carousel; adults linger over botanical trivia, outdoor concerts, or just dreamy strolling.
Recommendation: 5/5 — A classic that embodies Rennes’s soul.
2. Parc des Gayeulles – Nature’s Playground Beyond the City Core
Location & Access
Located in the northeast at the Gayeulles district, this vast 100-hectare forest park encompasses lakes, meadows, an animal farm, a crêperie, and even a swimming pool.
- From the train station, I took bus C6 directly to “Parc des Gayeulles” stop—a lovely, 15-minute ride deep into greenery.
- From the airport, a taxi is easiest (around 25 minutes), or a combined airport shuttle and metro plus bus.
Fun & Nature
I once spent a glorious afternoon there: zoo animals like goats and rabbits greeted me, I rented a pedal-boat on a lake, and even surprised myself by joining a kids’ model-boat race on the water!
Personal Reflection
The freedom here felt like stretching both legs and heart—I wandered through wild woodlands and quiet ponds, breezed by blooming patches in spring, and chatted with locals at the farm café.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Huge space, wildlife, sports, peaceful trails.
- Cons: A little far from center—better with a plan for transport or time.
Entertainment: Paddle-boating, children’s farm, summer festivals like “Made Festival” and open-air music events.
Recommendation: 4.5/5 — A lush expanse full of discovery.
3. Parc de Beauregard – Art Meets Garden at Sunset
Location & Access
Set in the northwest residential quarter, this 7-hectare terraced park is adorned with cherry tree-lined paths, a striking sundial, and a modern art installation—“Alignement du XXIe siècle” by Aurélie Nemours.
- Getting here from the train station meant hopping on bus C4 to “Parc de Beauregard” stop.
- From the airport, a taxi was easiest.
What I Loved
I remember arriving here late afternoon: sun-dappled terraces unfolded in front of me, the silhouette of the installation casting artistic riddles onto the lawn. I chased light across the sundial and watched locals practicing tai chi—a perfect moment of calm and creative energy.
Evaluating the Experience
I loved how this garden felt both civic and intimate, blending quiet contemplation with neighborhood vitality.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Scenic terraces, public art, fitness stations.
- Cons: Smaller scale, primarily a passive experience—no playgrounds or cafés inside.
Entertainment: Tai chi or gentle exercise, cherry-blossom viewing in spring, peaceful reading or sketching retreats.
Recommendation: 4/5 — A quiet corner for reflective souls.
Recommended Parks for Later Exploration
4. Parc de la Guerinais – Urban Quiet Among Water & Green
Address: 30 Rue Jean Perrin. Open 24 hours, this green escape features ponds, winding paths, tennis courts, and playgrounds—a great all-day spot.
Entertainment: Tennis matches, children’s play, and peaceful nature walks.
Why I’d Visit: It seems like a perfect blend of active and serene—just missing a café and close transport makes it a future visit.
Recommendation: 4/5
5. Parc de Saint-Jacques – Historic Serenity with a Chateau Guest
Address: Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande commune.
A sprawling park surrounding the historic Château de Saint-Jacques, with lawns, gardens, and a calm, stately atmosphere.
Entertainment: Picnicking, heritage strolls, and quiet architecture viewing.
Why I’d Love It: With a castle at its heart, this park promises elegance and grace, perfect for a dreamy afternoon.
Recommendation: 4.5/5
Reflections & Travel Tips
- Morning Magic: I find early-morning visits—especially to Parc du Thabor—infuse extra peace and freshness, before crowds arrive.
- Transport Savvy: Pack a STAR metro/bus day pass; Rennes’s system is clean and efficient.
- Picnic Ready: At Thabor, I loved buying pastries at a nearby boulangerie and settling amid roses. Gayeulles and Beauregard benefit from simple snacks you bring.
- Seasonal Joys: Spring cherry blossoms at Beauregard; summer festivals in Gayeulles; autumn foliage in Thabor warms every path with golden light.
- Dogs & Wheels: All these parks welcome leashed dogs; Thabor is also wheelchair accessible.
- No Reservations Needed: No park requires booking. Just wander, breathe, and relish.
Travel Wisdom, and Little Secrets from My Strolls
When I think back on my afternoons in Rennes’s parks, they are more than just pleasant walks—they are little pieces of my travel soul. Each visit taught me something different about the city and about slowing down.
1. Choose Your Park According to Your Mood
If you wake up feeling poetic or a little dreamy, Parc du Thabor is your stage. The rose garden alone can inspire a whole afternoon of journal writing, painting, or just lying on the grass watching clouds pass over the spires of Saint-Melaine Church. On days when your legs are restless and your heart wants adventure, Parc des Gayeulles gives you lakes to paddle, trails to conquer, and animal friends to greet. And if it’s been one of those weeks when you just need peace and quiet, Parc de Beauregard offers the comfort of a book, a bench, and a cherry tree.
2. Timing is Everything
Rennes’s parks each have their magic hours:
- Early morning: Mist lingers over Thabor’s lawns, and you can hear the city waking in the distance.
- Late afternoon: Beauregard’s terraces catch golden light, turning every photo into a postcard.
- Summer evenings: Gayeulles bursts alive with barbecues, laughter, and sometimes spontaneous music from local guitarists.
I’ve learned to visit each park at least twice—once alone for reflection, once with friends for joy. You’ll discover different layers that way.
3. Picnic Like a Local
One of my favorite rituals is to stop at a boulangerie near the park entrance. For Parc du Thabor, I recommend Maison Coupel on rue Saint-Melaine—pick up a buttery croissant or a delicate tarte aux pommes. For Parc des Gayeulles, there’s a small market by Boulevard de Vitré where you can grab cheese, a baguette, and a bottle of Breton cider. I’ve found that a simple picnic can turn a short stroll into a three-hour affair.
4. Mind the Weather
Rennes has a temperate oceanic climate, meaning you can get sun, clouds, and drizzle all in the same afternoon. I always pack:
- A light rain jacket (yes, even in July)
- A foldable blanket for the grass
- A reusable water bottle—many parks have fountains but they’re not always obvious
- A small pack of tissues (trust me, for both noses and wet benches)
The weather keeps you on your toes, but that’s part of Rennes’s charm—every scene looks more alive after a light rain.
5. Getting There Without Stress
From the airport, public transport is fine, but if you’re carrying picnic gear or traveling with kids, a taxi or rideshare will save you a lot of walking. The STAR network day pass is worth every cent—unlimited rides mean you can hop between parks without worrying about tickets.
6. Respect the Spaces
One thing I deeply appreciate about Rennes is how much locals care for their green spaces. Bins are everywhere, lawns are pristine, and flower beds are treated like art. Following their example—keeping noise respectful, taking trash with you—feels like an unspoken agreement between visitors and the city.
7. Why These Parks Stay in My Heart
Travel is often about the big moments—monuments, museums, and dramatic landscapes—but Rennes taught me that a city’s soul can be found in the way people use their parks. I’ve watched a grandfather teach his granddaughter to ride a bike in Beauregard, seen teenagers laugh themselves breathless playing frisbee in Gayeulles, and met an elderly couple who have been walking the Thabor rose garden every Sunday for 42 years.
These aren’t just parks—they’re living diaries of the city, written in flowers, footsteps, and the smell of freshly cut grass.
If you can only visit one, start with Thabor—it’s the heart and pride of Rennes. For a full day out, head to Gayeulles with comfortable shoes and a curious spirit. If you crave peace, seek Beauregard in the late light. And if you have extra time, let Guerinais and Saint-Jacques show you their quieter, more intimate sides.
By the end of my time in Rennes, I didn’t just have photos—I had moments. The kind that make you sigh happily every time they come back to you, even years later. And that, more than anything, is why I’ll keep returning.
