2 hrs in rennes
 

My daughter and I will arrive in Rennes abt 11am. The car rentals apparently don't open until 1pm (we didn't realize this). Is there anything to do for 2 hrs until car rental opens? I suppose we could rent a car in paris and drive but riding the train seems more enjoyable. We hate to hang around the train station for 2 hrs. We will be ready to leave Paris (staying 7 days) and eager to arrive in Brittany.

Thank You

It's the obvious answer but why not just stroll around for a couple of hours and enjoy seeing the city. The old part of a Rennes is about a 10-15 minute walk north of the train station. The problem will be what to do with your luggage if you don't want to drag it around with you since I don't believe there are lockers in the train station at Rennes. Here's a link to the tourist office website so you can learn about what you might see in 2 hours:

http://www.tourisme-rennes.com/en/home.aspx

There should be someplace at the train station to get a map of the city to help you find your way around, or just bring a printed google map with you.

Or you could go someplace and have something to eat.

Rennes has one of the oldest public gardens in France--the Jardin de Thabor.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...ith/4899424542

It's a 20 minute walk from the train station according to Google map.

Rennes has a metro service that connects the railway station to Place Ste-Anne, the old quarter of the city, and visually very interesting.

I agree with Michael on the Thabor -- well worth visiting.

Well, I guess we will go later than planned (because of luggage being a hassle) or try to get a taxi. We have reservation at Dinan and I think it is just 29 miles away. Thanks for your input

An alternative is to take your luggage to Léon le Cochon and have lunch there, but it opens only at noon: http://www.leonlecochon.com/leon_le_cochon/index.asp

I add my votes for both a stroll around the old city (which has some truly amazing half-timbered houses) and the lovely Jardin de Thabor. Another option is the Musee de Bretagne, which has some fascinating and very accessible exhibits.

FrenchMystiqueTours's suggestion to contact the tourist office is a good one. I found the staff there extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They may be able to suggest a way to store your luggage for a few hours.

Rennes has a lot to offer. I hope you're able to find some time to enjoy it!