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Rennes Nightlife, France

Rennes Nightlife - Parties and a Few Rules

A quarter of the city inhabitants are represented by students, so the Rennes nightlife is fantastic. If you are staying for a few days, try to include a very animated Thursday because it is the night when most people go out (many students are going home on Friday). Bars are to be found easily everywhere in the city, but a walk on Rue Saint Michel is mandatory. The street has a very suggestive nickname- Rue de la Soif (street of thirst) and it is full of pubs. Remember that due to some complains, it was decided that most bars are to be closed at 1pm and night bars at 3 pm. Try to order the latest half an hour before closing time, otherwise you might be refused. However this rule imposed by local authorities met some resistance and “la nuits des 4 Jeudis” is an “official” concept of spending every Thursday during school time. This means activities like listening to local bands, games, improvisations, meeting and exchanging music or multimedia, sports are organized with the support of the City Hall and private associations. Some good places to drink, chat and generally spend the time till dawn are: Funky Munky, for non-smokers; Irish pubs like a Westport Inn or O’Conell; Barantic to enjoy beer; Le Sablier for wonderful concerts. Dance at Mondo Bizzaro if you like punk/rock or at Le Pym’s to disco rhythms, a place offering also a lounge bar.

Rennes Nightlife - The Festivals

Before going to Rennes, get informed of the cultural life and see what event is going to take place there. It’s true that each Thursday to Saturday there is a celebration, but the special Breton specialty is Fest Noz (Party night- translation). This actually is a traditional feast in which all generations meet and listen to music, drink beer or chouchin. Many manifestations of the kind occur, but the largest is usually held in November and is baptized Yaouank. In December, rock fans have their festival called Transmusicales. The winter is not over without Rennes Metropole-a movie festival. Spring is celebrated usually in April, with tales and French songs in an event named Mythos. A 40 years old student festival is Rock’n’ Solex. In July, performances are to be found in many public places, as it is time for Tombees de la Nuit.

Rennes Nightlife- A Classical Night

A night at Theatre National de Bretagne is a very good choice all year long, except August when it is closed. Listening to live Jazz is another fine option and you may do so twice a week at Dejazzey Jazz Club. A romantic night is worth spending in restaurants such as: Le Petit Sabayon, with its classic layout; in a cozy, chic place named 4B, or in places bearing funny, but suggestive names and serving very good food. Try L’eau a la Bouche, Leon le Cochon, Monsieur est servi. There are over 200 restaurants, but wherever you go to eat, order local dishes, consisting of sea food, crepes (pancakes), cider, and gallettes.

Angers Nightlife and Nantes Nightlife are also worth a try.