Things to do in Rennes in May

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Overview

May is a great time to visit Rennes. The weather is usually moderately chilly with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 46—65°F (8—18°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Rennes during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the Marche des Lices, visit the Parc du Thabor, attend the Fete de la Bretagne, and more!

Rennes has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Rennes. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Rennes in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Rennes in May

Top experiences in May
Explore the Marche des Lices
The largest market in Rennes, the Marche des Lices is a bustling hub of activity where you can sample fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, and other gourmet delights. In May, the market is particularly vibrant, with an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as flowers and plants. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the local food culture and pick up some unique souvenirs.
Visit the Parc du Thabor
This beautiful park in the heart of Rennes is particularly stunning in May, when the flowers are in full bloom and the trees are lush and green. The park features a variety of themed gardens, including a rose garden, a French garden, and an English garden, as well as a picturesque pond and a charming cafe where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Attend the Fete de la Bretagne
This annual celebration of Breton culture takes place throughout the region in May, with a variety of events and activities in Rennes and beyond. From traditional music and dance performances to artisanal craft fairs and culinary demonstrations, the Fete de la Bretagne offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Brittany.
Explore the historic center of Rennes
In May, the historic center of Rennes comes alive with outdoor cafes, street performers, and lively markets. Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets and medieval squares, and admire the stunning architecture of the city's historic buildings, including the iconic half-timbered houses and the majestic Rennes Cathedral.
Take a boat tour along the Vilaine River
In May, the weather in Rennes is often mild and pleasant, making it the perfect time to explore the city from a different perspective. A boat tour along the Vilaine River offers a relaxing and scenic way to see the city's historic architecture and lush greenery, while learning about the area's rich cultural and natural heritage.
Visit the Musee des Beaux-Arts
This renowned art museum in Rennes features an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 14th to the 21st centuries. In May, the museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, offering a unique opportunity to discover new works and gain insight into the history of art in France and beyond.
Take a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel
Just a short drive from Rennes, the iconic island of Mont Saint-Michel is a must-see destination in May. With its stunning medieval architecture, picturesque streets, and breathtaking views of the surrounding bay, Mont Saint-Michel offers a truly unforgettable experience that is particularly magical in the springtime.
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Holidays in Rennes in May
May
  • Labor Day / May Day (May 1)
  • WWII Victory Day (May 8)
  • Ascension Day (May 9)
  • Whit Sunday (May 19)
  • Whit Monday (May 20)
  • Mother's Day (May 26)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Rennes in May

Temperatures on an average day in Rennes in May

The average temperature in Rennes in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 65°F (18°C) to a low of 46°F (8°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Rennes, July, has days with highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows of 55°F (13°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 49°F (9°C) and lows of 35°F (2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Rennes in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
65°F
highs
46°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze
Feels like
25%
Chance of rain
0.081 in
Amount
14.1 mph
Wind speed
75%
Humidity
15.1 hrs
Daylight length
6:28 AM
Sunrise
9:37 PM
Sunset
46%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 65°F (18°C) and a low of 46°F (8°C), it generally feels moderately chilly with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Rennes in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Rennes has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Rennes that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Rennes for May.
Parc du Thabor
1. Parc du Thabor
4.7
(12153)
Park
Nature & Parks
18th-century park with large, landscaped gardens & aviaries containing non-native bird species.
Portes Mordelaises - Site historique Rennes centre
2. Portes Mordelaises - Site historique Rennes centre
4.3
(488)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Parlement de Bretagne
3. Parlement de Bretagne
4.4
(251)
City courthouse
Sights & Landmarks
Court of appeals in a 17th century parliamentary palace with an inner courtyard & ornate chambers.
Crêperie Au Marché des Lices
4. Crêperie Au Marché des Lices
4.6
(3206)
Creperie
Food & Drink
Les Champs Libres
5. Les Champs Libres
4.7
(1286)
Cultural center
Museums
Home to the main city library & the Museum of Brittany, plus a science museum with planetarium.
Parc des Gayeulles
6. Parc des Gayeulles
4.5
(5799)
Park
Nature & Parks
Vast area of parkland, established in 1967, with woodland, grassy clearings & water features.
Cathedral Saint-Pierre de Rennes
7. Cathedral Saint-Pierre de Rennes
4.5
(2317)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Traditional site of cathedral, demolished in 18th century and rebuilt after the French Revolution.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes
8. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes
4.5
(2273)
Art museum
Museums
From Greek & Celtic antiquities to works by Picasso in an elegant, 19th-century museum of fine arts.
Palais Saint-Georges
9. Palais Saint-Georges
4.6
(49)
Government office
Nature & Parks
Écomusée du pays de Rennes
10. Écomusée du pays de Rennes
4.5
(666)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Ample venue in a former farm manor for local history & culture exhibits, plus livestock buildings.
Portes Mordelaises - Site historique Rennes centre
11. Portes Mordelaises - Site historique Rennes centre
4.3
(488)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Roazhon Park
12. Roazhon Park
4.5
(7796)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Musée de Bretagne
13. Musée de Bretagne
4.5
(413)
Local history museum
Museums
Museum with archeological artifacts, interactive displays & photographs, from or about Brittany.
Rennes Alma
14. Rennes Alma
4.2
(15856)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Space Sciences
15. Space Sciences
4.5
(540)
Science museum
Museums
Science center & planetarium in a modern building, offering events & lectures with a family focus.
Frac Bretagne
16. Frac Bretagne
4.2
(546)
Art museum
Sights & Landmarks
Contemporary art is the focus at this striking, modern museum which features over 5000 works.

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