Visit Ille-et-Vilaine
Ille-et-Vilaine is most visited for the Emerald Coast and the lovely historical towns such as Dinard, Vitré and Rennes - but be sure to also find the time to explore the rich local history, with legends of King Arthur, prehistoric monuments, medieval castles...
Selected places to visit in Ille-et-Vilaine
Highlights in Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany
The Ille-et-Vilaine department is in eastern Brittany around Rennes, running northwards to the Brittany coast, and meeting the Pays de la Loire region to the south. See Brittany seaside, coast and islands for coastal destinations in Ille-et-Vilaine.
The coast in Ille-et-Vilaine extends from Dinard and Saint-Malo to Mont Saint Michel (Normandy) and is known as the Emerald Coast. Be sure to also visit Dol de Bretagne, a little inland, and Cancale, especially known for the quality of the seafood restaurants..
The Rance River (north-east edge of Ille-et-Vilaine) is a very scenic place to explore - road is possible, or by boat is even better. Followed perhaps by a visit the zoo at Pleugueneuc.
In the region around the impressive town of Rennes be sure to visit the fine medieval town of Vitré while 20 km to the north of Vitré is pretty Fougeres and its renowned castle.
Combourg and its chateau are also between the historic town of Rennes and the port town of St Malo.
In Saint Malo itself, the aquarium is very popular - it is the most visited tourist attraction in the department. By contrast, at the other end of Ille-et-Vilaine, the attractive port town at Redon is also very picturesque.
History and legend in Ille-et-Vilaine
For family entertainment the Villecartier Forest is an attractive place for walking and cycling, as well as more active pursuits on and around the lake. The Cobac Theme Park is also very popular with younger holidaymakers, as is the La Bourbansais Zoo.
If you have a taste for Arthurian legend and history you will enjoy a visit to the Paimpont Forest and town while to the south-east of Rennes visit La Roche-aux-Fées, one of the largest and most important dolmen to be found in France.
Arriving by plane? See also Dinard airport and Rennes airport
See a list of all Ille-et-Vilaine communes
Map of Ille-et-Vilaine
Page in French? See Ille-et-Vilaine (Francais)
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