France-Brittany

Although 'Renne' means 'Reindeer' and sounds identical to 'Reine' ('Queen' in French), the anologies with Santa Claus' faithful companions and the (rarely) faithful wives of the kings are no reflection on this city. However, you could say that Rennes is as regal and majestic as a queen. It is not only its name, but its function that makes it an important city, as Rennes has been the capital of Brittany since the 16th century. Its fate is tainted with tragedy, whose most painful episode was the fire in 1720 that destroyed a large part of the city (more than 900 houses burnt down in a week) and almost plunged the monarch into eternal rest (regicide). Only almost though, as ailing Rennes, in its great sovereignty, held fast and healed its wounds to unveil its elegance once again. This elegance is regal and you feel it every time you walk around the Vieille Ville (Old Town) where many half-timbered houses from the 15th and 18th centuries that either resisted the fire of 1720 or were restored, border the little streets which date back to the Middle Ages. The elegance of the old town is the same elegance that you find in each and every one of the buildings in this ?jewellery box' setting. Among the jewels in the jewellery box, which were either spared by the flames or rebuilt between the 17th and 19th centuries, you can find pearls like the Saint Sauveur Basilica, with its magnificent furniture (four-poster bed, throne, organ from the 17th and 18th centuries), or Saint Peter Cathedral where the Roman basilica displays a Neo-Classic decor which houses a beautiful Gothic alterpiece made of golden wood from the 15th century. Among these precious stones, one jewel shines more brightly than the others due to its beauty: the Brittany Parliament. Although it was destroyed by a fire in 1994, it was restored by real goldsmiths and it is the city's most famous monument; presenting as it does remarkable royal and Parisian decor from the 17th century. You can explore the Brittany Parliament when you visit the Grand'Chambre (Great Bedroom), which gives an insight into the pictorial art of the period); as well as the Conseil de la Grand'Chambre or the Salle des Pas Perdus. Going back to the analogy at the beginning, you could also say that Rennes has everything of a reindeer ("Renne"), connections between the city and nature can be found throughout this city. Not only is there a large square in Rennes which is devoted to the development of natural spaces, but non-polluting modes of transport are also being encouraged. Therefore, the ideal way to travel from the French Garden to the English Park in Thabor, (which was developed in the 19th century and spans over 25 acres) is by bicycle. Another connection between the city and a reindeer is the association with festivity: Rennes offers many cultural as well as festive suprises. During the day, the Beaux-Arts Museum and its collection of paintings from the 15th century up until our time, will doubtless captivate scores of painting enthusiasts; while in Champs Libres (a new cultural infrastructure where the Municipal Library, the Espace des Sciences and the Brittany Museum are all together), visitors will be able to travel from Brittany into space. After outlining day time activities, be aware that the night life is lively and dominated by students, with its many concerts, bars, theatres and cinemas. In conclusion, you could say that Rennes is reminiscent of a 'reine' (queen) and a 'renne' (reindeer)!