Ille-et-Vilaine

This guide invites you to immerse yourself in Ille-et-Vilaine to explore its diverse landscapes, rich heritage, vibrant culture, and renowned cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a getaway in nature, historical discoveries, local traditions, or festivities, Ille-et-Vilaine is sure to meet your expectations.

Join us as we discover must-see sites, hidden gems and unmissable experiences in this iconic département of Brittany.

Must-See Attractions in Ille-et-Vilaine

Ille-et-Vilaine is a department full of things to discover, famous for its exceptionally beautiful sites, its historical heritage, and its unique atmosphere. Below, discover the iconic places you won’t want to miss during your visit.

Rennes, historic and cultural capital

As the prefecture of Ille-et-Vilaine and the capital of Brittany, Rennes is a lively city, where tradition and modernity meet. Its historic center will amaze you with its half-timbered houses, the majestic cathedral, the Parliament of Brittany and a host of historic monuments.

The city is also a vibrant cultural center, offering museums, festivals, theaters and concert halls. Rennes is also renowned for its green spaces, with parks, gardens and the banks of the Vilaine River offering peaceful walks.

Saint-Malo and the Emerald Coast

Saint-Malo, the famous pirate town, has preserved its impressive ramparts, towers, and historic gates. The birthplace of famous navigators, the city is steeped in history and, as a seaside resort, offers magnificent beaches, water sports, and a cuisine rich in seafood.

The Emerald Coast, stretching from Cancale to Dinard, will charm you with its diverse landscapes, featuring a mix of cliffs, coves, dunes, and small islets.

Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay

Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, featuring a Benedictine abbey, a church, a cloister, and fortifications. As a major pilgrimage site, it attracts millions of visitors from around the world.

The Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is a natural gem offering breathtaking views, especially during spring tides. It is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna and offers visitors the chance to observe unique natural phenomena such as the tidal bore and quicksand.

The forest of Brocéliande, land of legends

The Forest of Brocéliande, a treasure trove of Arthurian legends, invites you to escape into a world of fantasy with its tales of Merlin, the fairy Viviane, and the Knights of the Round Table. This enchanted forest is home to magical sites such as the Valley of No Return, Merlin’s tomb, the Barenton Fountain, and the Oak of the Hindrés.

Beyond its mythical reputation, Brocéliande is a living forest, rich in biodiversity, featuring ponds, heathlands, and rock formations. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as events and performances.

Heritage, culture and gastronomy

The Ille-et-Vilaine department stands out for its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine. Whether you’re passionate about architecture, folk traditions, or culinary delights, you’re sure to find something to your liking among the variety and excellence of what Ille-et-Vilaine has to offer.

Discover below some of the wonders that await you during your visit to Ille-et-Vilaine.

An architectural heritage not to be missed

Ille-et-Vilaine is proud of its exceptional architectural heritage, which reflects its rich history and unique identity. Admire religious gems such as Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Rennes, Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, and Saint-Sauveur Basilica in Dinan. Explore impressive castles and fortresses, such as Fougères Castle, Fort La Latte, and Combourg Castle.

You’ll also be amazed by extraordinary megalithic sites, such as the menhirs of Saint-Just, the dolmen at La Roche-aux-Fées, and the Tréal stone passageway.

Breton culture and events to discover

Ille-et-Vilaine pulsates to the rhythm of Breton culture, with its rich language, music, dances, traditional costumes, and legends. Get a taste of the Breton language, let yourself be carried away by the sound of the biniou, dance the gavotte, try on a Bigouden costume, or immerse yourself in the tales of Brocéliande. You can also take part in the many festive events that take place throughout the year, such as pardons, fest-noz, festivals, and local celebrations.

Don't miss cultural highlights such as the Tombées de la Nuit festival in Rennes, the Dinard British Film Festival and the Étonnants Voyageurs festival in Saint-Malo.

Culinary Specialties of Ille-et-Vilaine

Get ready to be captivated by the culinary specialties of Ille-et-Vilaine, which combine simplicity and flavor. Savor the treasures of the sea, including Cancale oysters, bouchot mussels, and scallops. Discover local specialties as well, such as salted butter, cider, ribot cheese, and buckwheat galettes.

Finish on a sweet note with sweets such as crêpes, kouign-amann, far breton or palets bretons.

Outdoor activities and leisure

The Ille-et-Vilaine department is brimming with opportunities for lovers of outdoor activities and recreation. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, an adventurer at heart, or simply looking for new experiences, you’ll discover a multitude of options for having fun and recharging your batteries. Check out the selection of activities below—perfect for enjoying with family, friends, or on your own.

Hiking and biking

With more than 5,000 km of marked trails, Ille-et-Vilaine is the ideal playground for hikers and cyclists of all skill levels. The department offers a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from forests to wooded countryside, including valleys, marshes, the coastline, and even islands. Themed routes, such as the famous GR 34, which follows the Emerald Coast, or the Vélodyssée, which stretches from the north to the south of the department, promise enriching discoveries.

Beaches and water sports

The coastline of Ille-et-Vilaine, stretching over 100 km, is dotted with fine-sand beaches, coves, fishing and yachting ports, as well as popular seaside resorts such as Saint-Malo, Dinard, and Cancale. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a variety of water sports, from sailing and kayaking to surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, and jet skiing. Swimmers can also enjoy the seawater pool at Bon-Secours in Saint-Malo or the Aquatonic water park in Rennes.

Natural parks and green spaces

The two regional nature parks—the Brière Nature Park and the Armorique Nature Park—are havens of peace that preserve exceptional natural areas, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. These parks offer the opportunity to observe rare animal and plant species, such as otters, herons, and wild orchids. Ille-et-Vilaine is also home to numerous green spaces and historic sites, from salt marshes to villages with thatched-roof houses, not to mention Gayeulles Park in Rennes, Lake Trémelin in Iffendic, and the legendary Forest of Brocéliande in Paimpont.

Conclusion

Ille-et-Vilaine, along with its undeniable charm, is the perfect department for those seeking adventure, relaxation, or fun. It is home to gems such as Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, and the mystical Forest of Brocéliande.

The region is renowned for its rich heritage, immersive culture, and delicious Breton cuisine. Whether you’re passionate about hiking, biking, sailing, or scuba diving, Ille-et-Vilaine offers a wide range of activities to satisfy all your interests. Don’t wait any longer—plan your trip to Ille-et-Vilaine today and enjoy an unforgettable experience!

FAQ

What is the department number for Ille-et-Vilaine?

The department number for Ille-et-Vilaine is 35. Located in the Brittany region, east of the Armorican Massif, it is an integral part of French territory.

What are the largest cities in Ille-et-Vilaine?

The largest cities in Ille-et-Vilaine—including Rennes, Saint-Malo, Fougères, Bruz, and Vitré—all have more than 18,000 residents, according to 2020 census figures. Their land area ranges from 37 km² for Saint-Malo to 50 km² for Rennes.

Why do we say Ille-et-Vilaine?

The name Ille-et-Vilaine comes from the department’s two main rivers: the Vilaine and its tributary, the Ille, which converge in Rennes. Its name in Breton is Il-ha-Gwilen.

What are the residents of Ille-et-Vilaine called?

Residents of Ille-et-Vilaine are known as "Bretilliens," a name derived from the combination of "Bretons" and "Illiens," which was adopted by the members of the General Council in 2013.