Rent a Campervan in Rennes: Your Brittany Adventure Awaits

Discover the Heart of Brittany: An Introduction to Rennes

Welcome to Rennes, the vibrant capital of Brittany and your perfect starting point for an unforgettable journey. When you rent a campervan in Rennes, you’re not just hiring a vehicle; you’re unlocking the gateway to a region steeped in Celtic history, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights. Rennes itself is a city of art and history, a dynamic university town with a beautifully preserved medieval core. Situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Ille and the Vilaine, its story began over 2,000 years ago as a Gallic settlement named Condate. Over the centuries, it evolved into the proud capital of the Duchy of Brittany, a history that is palpable in its grand architecture and cobblestone streets.

With a population of over 220,000 people, Rennes buzzes with a youthful energy, thanks to its large student population. This blends seamlessly with its rich heritage, creating a unique atmosphere where historic half-timbered houses stand alongside trendy boutiques and lively crêperies. The decision to rent an RV in Rennes gives you the flexibility to soak in this urban charm before venturing into the wilder parts of Brittany. The city’s most famous historical event is perhaps the great fire of 1720, which destroyed much of the medieval wooden city but led to its reconstruction with elegant stone buildings, giving Rennes its distinctive dual architectural style. Famous figures tied to Rennes include Alfred Dreyfus, whose controversial retrial took place here in 1899, adding a significant chapter to French history. When you rent a campervan in Rennes, you are setting off from a place of deep cultural and historical importance.

The weather in Rennes is typically oceanic, with mild, damp winters and pleasant, moderately warm summers. This makes it an ideal destination for much of the year, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May through September). During these months, you'll experience the best weather for exploring the coastlines and countryside that Brittany is famous for. Planning to rent a campervan in Rennes during this period ensures you can make the most of long, sunny days for driving, hiking, and relaxing on the beach. Even if you're considering a more rugged adventure, perhaps looking to rent a 4x4 camper in Rennes, this season provides the perfect conditions to test its capabilities on coastal tracks and forest roads. The flexibility of having your accommodation with you means you can follow the sun or chase the perfect wave, making your Brittany road trip truly your own. Starting your journey here means you have the entire region at your fingertips, from the legendary forest of Brocéliande to the dramatic cliffs of the Emerald Coast. Opting to rent an RV in Rennes is your first step towards an adventure filled with discovery, freedom, and the unique spirit of Brittany.

Top Sights and Activities Around Rennes

Once you've settled into your camper, Rennes and its surroundings offer a wealth of sights and activities to explore. The city itself is a treasure trove of history and culture. Start your exploration in the historic center, where you’ll find the iconic Place des Lices. This square hosts one of France's largest markets every Saturday morning—a perfect opportunity to stock your camper with fresh local produce. Just a short walk away are the magnificent Portes Mordelaises, the former main entrance to the city, and the last remnants of the medieval ramparts. Don't miss the Parlement de Bretagne, a stunning 17th-century building that miraculously survived the 1720 fire and now stands as a symbol of Breton identity.

For a dose of nature and tranquility, head to the Parc du Thabor. This park is considered one of the most beautiful public gardens in France, combining a formal French garden, an English park, and a botanical garden. It's the perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Art and culture enthusiasts who rent a campervan in Rennes should visit Les Champs Libres, a modern cultural center housing the Musée de Bretagne (Museum of Brittany) and the Espace des Sciences with its planetarium. The Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts) also boasts an impressive collection, from Egyptian antiquities to contemporary art.

The beauty of deciding to rent an RV in Rennes is the ease with which you can explore the surrounding area. Just outside the city, you can venture into the legendary Forêt de Paimpont, better known as the mythical forest of Brocéliande, home to the legends of King Arthur and Merlin the wizard. Or, drive your camper to the charming medieval town of Vitré, with its impressive fairytale castle. The freedom you get when you rent a campervan in Rennes allows you to discover these local gems at your own pace, creating a travel experience that is both deep and personal.

Your Brittany Road Trip Itineraries from Rennes

When you rent a campervan in Rennes, you have all of Brittany at your doorstep. Here are a couple of recommended tours to inspire your road trip.

🌊 The Emerald Coast & Historic Towns (3-4 Days)

🧭 The Wild West of Finistère (4-5 Days)

Returning Your Campervan Spotless in Rennes

After an amazing trip, you'll need to return your campervan clean, both inside and out. Finding a car wash that can accommodate the height of a campervan or large RV can be a challenge, as standard automatic car washes are too low. It’s important to plan this final step of your journey before returning the vehicle to avoid any cleaning fees.

Fortunately, the area around Rennes has several options suitable for large vehicles. Look for 'Poids Lourds' (HGV/truck) or high-roof 'rouleaux' (roller) washing stations. These are often found in industrial areas or at larger supermarkets. Planning to visit one of these before you head back to the rental station will make the process smooth and stress-free after you rent an RV in Rennes.

Here are a few suitable washing stations in and around Rennes:

1. Éléphant Bleu - Rennes Ouest
This location often features high-pressure jet wash bays with platforms, which are perfect for reaching the roof and high sides of your campervan.
Address: 2 Rue de la Retardais, 35000 Rennes, France

2. Intermarché SUPER Cesson-Sévigné
Many larger supermarkets have high-roof washing facilities. This Intermarché east of Rennes provides a convenient option with its 'station de lavage' that can often fit campers.
Address: 12 Rue de la Rigourdière, 35510 Cesson-Sévigné, France

3. OKI Lavage - Chantepie
Located in an industrial zone to the south-east of Rennes, this truck wash is designed for large commercial vehicles and is therefore perfectly suited for cleaning your campervan or RV thoroughly.
Address: ZI Sud Est, Rue du Bignon, 35135 Chantepie, France

Your Journey to Rennes from Abroad

Your adventure to rent a campervan in Rennes begins with your journey to the city itself. Rennes is well-connected, making it accessible for travelers from across the English-speaking world.

From the UK and Ireland:
Flying is the quickest option. Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport (RNS) has direct flights from London and other UK airports, especially during the summer season. Alternatively, flying into the larger Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), about an hour's drive away, opens up more flight options from cities like Dublin, Manchester, and Bristol. For those who prefer to drive, ferry services from Portsmouth to Saint-Malo or from Cork to Roscoff place you right in the heart of Brittany, just a short drive from Rennes.

From the USA and Canada:
There are no direct flights to Rennes from North America. The most common route is to fly into a major European hub and take a connecting flight or train. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the best-connected hub. From hubs like New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), or Toronto (YYZ), you can fly to Paris and then take a high-speed TGV train directly from the airport to Rennes in about two hours. Other common connection points include Amsterdam (AMS) or London (LHR).

From Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa:
Your journey will involve long-haul flights with at least one connection. Typically, travelers from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Auckland (AKL), or Johannesburg (JNB) will fly to a major hub in the Middle East (like Dubai or Doha) or Asia (like Singapore) and then connect to a flight to Paris (CDG). From Paris, the high-speed TGV train is the most efficient and scenic way to reach Rennes and begin your campervan adventure.