Vilaine River

The Vilaine, in Rennes

The Vilaine is the river that crosses Rennes and shaped its history. The Rennes audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this watercourse, along which quays and promenades extend in the heart of the city.

The river that shaped the city

The Vilaine is the main river of Brittany, which rises in the west of the neighbouring department and crosses Rennes in its heart. Long at the centre of the life of the city, it was partly channelled and covered over time. Today, its developed quays offer pleasant promenades along the water, lined with buildings and bridges. The river links the two banks of Rennes and recalls the essential role of water in the history and the development of the city.

What to see

Here you walk along the developed quays of the river, lined with buildings and bridges, in pleasant promenades along the water that link the two banks of Rennes. The Vilaine shaped the history of the city. It is a pleasant stop to stroll, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Vilaine crosses the heart of Rennes; its quays and promenades are freely accessible public spaces, to be explored on foot along the water. The promenade is particularly pleasant in the warm season and along the bridges of the city centre.

What is the Vilaine in Rennes?

The river that crosses Rennes in its heart and shaped its history; its developed quays offer pleasant promenades along the water.

Where to see the Vilaine in Rennes?

Along its developed quays, in the heart of Rennes, in Brittany.