Sunday, August 22, 2010

Musee de Beaux Arts Rennes

Musee de Beaux Arts Rennes

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes, like many French museums, was a creation of the Revolution. Founded in 1794 with works confiscated from the city's religious and civil buildings, the museum in fact owes most of the wealth of its collection to the fabulous 'cabinet of curiosities' collected by Christophe-Paul de Robien (1698-1756), President of the Parliament of Brittany. After two years of work, the Museum of Fine Arts in Rennes has reopened February 9, 2010 its permanent collection rooms, restyled, extended and enriched with new masterpieces: 320 paintings of which about fifty have never been shown.

Due to its lack of a suitable building, the museum has never been able to exhibit the whole range of its diverse collection. It has a fine reputation as an art gallery, due to the signal quality of its pictures, though this is only a partial image of its potential. It contains strangely few sculptures -  not the result of the destructions of the last war, which mainly affected the 19th century works, but rather that the two main sources of the collection, Robien and works lent by the French state, had very few to offer.
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Ongles

4, rue Vau Saint-Germain

La sélection Michelin

Les 60 000 étudiants, qui animent la vie de la capitale régionale de la Bretagne, lui donnent une image dynamique, largement tournée vers la culture. a de plus conservé ses rues médiévales, étroites et sinueuses, miraculeusement préservées du ... lire la suite. Les 60 000 étudiants, qui animent la vie de la capitale régionale de la Bretagne, lui donnent une image dynamique, largement tournée vers la culture. a de plus conservé ses rues médiévales, étroites et sinueuses, miraculeusement préservées du gigantesque incendie de 1720. Ses deux places royales, ses édifices publics et ses nombreux hôtels particuliers lui procurent une élégante solennité.

SITES TOURISTIQUES

• Hôtel de ville de Rennes

• Basilique St-Sauveur

• Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville

• Place du Champ-Jacquet

• Palais du parlement de Bretagne

RESTAURANTS

• Le Quatre B
4 place de Bretagne – Fermé les lun. et sam. midi et le dim. tte la journée.

Tél./Fax : 02 99 30 42 01

Formule midi 12 Û et 16 Û – Menus 21 à 27 Û – 55 couverts – Groupes < 35 – GB – I / GB /o

Michelin 2009 – Le Bottin Gourmand 2010 – Champérard 2010

Décor contemporain, avec une ambiance bistrot le midi, dans un cadre épuré le soir. Esprit lounge :

luminaires murano tamisés, rideaux de perles…Cuisine traditionnelle et évolutive dans le tempo actuel.

"Que serait ce lieu sans l'accueil chaleureux et personnalisé d'Angéline Anfray."

(BIB gourmand) (Pudlo 2009).

• Léon le Cochon

1 rue Maréchal Joffre – Ouvert 7j/7 (sauf le dim. en juil.-août)

Tél. : 02 99 79 37 54 / Fax : 02 99 79 07 35

11,47 à 37 Û – 90 couverts – Groupes < 90 – GB – D – E / GB / CV

Gault et Millau 2010 – Champérard 2010

Cuisine de bistrot. Authentiques plats du terroir réalisés avec des produits labellisés ou en

arrivage direct. (Guide du Routard 2010, Lieux de Toujours 2010). Entrez chez Léon au cours d'un

repas entre copains...comme cochons !


• Le Guehennec

33 rue Nantaise – Fermé le sam. midi, le lun. soir et le dim.

Tél. : 02 99 65 51 30 / Fax : 02 99 65 68 26

18 à 48 Û – 24 couverts – Groupes < 12 – o

Gault et Millau 2010 – Le Bottin Gourmand 2010 – Champérard 2010

Chef de cuisine : Gérard Le Guehennec. Cuisine d'instinct et de tradition avec le meilleur du marché ;

décor sobre et contemporain. (Guide du Routard)


• Les Carmes

2 rue des Carmes – Fermé le dim.soir et le lun.

Tél./Fax : 02 99 79 28 95

les.carmes@orange.fr

13 à 50 Û – 34 couverts – GB / o

Champérard 2010

Nouveau cadre et cuisine à découvrir. Du pain à la glace, tout est fait maison. Quartier Vasselot-

Zola. (Guide du routard 2008 - Petits restos des grands chefs 2008)
 
• Le Petit Sabayon

16 rue des Trente – Fermé le dim. et le lundi.

02 99 35 02 04 – lepetitsabayon@free.fr

15 à 45 Û – 22 couverts - Groupes < 25 – GB – E

Gault et Millau 2010 – Le Bottin Gourmand 2010 – Champérard 2010

Resto-bistrot à dénicher. Cuisine de chef à base de produits frais mêlant tradition et inspiration

du moment. Accueil convivial et service attentionné.

Mercure Centre Gare

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Metro Map of Rennes

Mercure Rennes Centre Gare

Mr Didier PIOT, the manager of the Mercure Rennes Centre Gare, would like to welcome you.

Located in the centre of Rennes, this 142 room hotel invites you to experience the magic atmosphere of the Broceliande forest. 5 minutes walk from the TGV railway station, this airconditioned hotel features a bar serving light meals as well as room service. All rooms have access to the hotel WiFi network. Cold drinks and small snacks are also available to guests 24 hours a day at Boutique M. 100 percent non smoking hotel.

le Four à Ban

In the XVIIth century, the rue Saint Melaine was already famous for its superb oven, one of these places where the people of Rennes used to come to have their bread baked.

Today it is one of the recommended addresses in town, and the Four à Ban is entirely renovated.

Wood, glass and stone have been associated and it gives the ancient house a touch of modernity; the glass certainly gives it a certain kind of luminosity, highlighting the old fireplace and exposed beams.

And today still, the bread is baked twice a day at le Four à Ban…

But the establishment is above all well known for its refined cuisine and friendly atmosphere.

In the kitchen we find Jacques Faby, who used to have stars in the Michelin guide but who gave up these distinctions for a calmer atmosphere and to do what he likes best, welcome and satisfy his guests in his own way. And he certainly knows how to charm with an original kind of cuisine, very fresh and tasty.

He mixes his Mediterranean origins with the excellent flavours of his region of adoption, allying the sunshine of the South and Breton traditions, in a refined and elegant way.

The ideal gourmet menu, composed especially for you, will lead you on a discovery of the Chef’s most appreciated compositions, giving you a wide range of choices. The most demanding taste buds will no doubt be satisfied.

With a most professional welcome and service, whether you come for a family gathering or with friends, as a couple or for a business meal, you are certain to have an exceptional time at Le Four à Ban!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Rennes

The regional capital of Brittany, has, over the past decades, restored its archtectural heritage, thus highlighting its dignified elegance. This city of artistic and historical interest, where good food is highly valued, exudes atmosphere from its narrow, winding medieval streets, lined with charming half-timbered houses with carved sills, which happily escaped the ravages of a huge fire in1720. The stately public buildings and numerous private mansions adorning the two royal squares (place du Palais and place de I'H6tel-de-Ville) at the very heart of the town, delimited to the south by the lively quays along the Vilaine. Rennes is also a university city which has become a centre of and communications industry.

Old Town

This is the part of the old town which escaped the fire. It contains a maze of 15C and 16C houses with overhanging storeys and lordly mansions with sculpted facades.

Basilique St-Sauveur

17 and 18C. Inside this basilica are a fine gilded wooden canopy and an organ loft (17C). To the right is a chapel consecrated to Our Lady of Miracles who saved Rennes from the English during the siege of 1357. Note the numerous ex-votos which have been donated in gratitude to Our Lady.

Old Houses

Rue St-Sauveur - No 6 stands a 16C canon's residence.

Rue St-Guillaume - No 3, a beautiful medieval house, known as Maison De Guesdin, contains the restaurant Ti Koz.

Rue de la Psalette -This street is lined with old houses.

Rue du Chapitre No 22 is a Renaissance house; no 8 is the Hotel de Brie (17C); no 6 the 18C Hotel de Blossac with a fine granite staircase (on the left as you enter) with marble columns and a wrought-iron handrail.

Cathedrale St-Pierre

The third built on the site since the 6C, the cathedral was finished in 1844 after 57 years' work. The previous building collapsed in 1762 except for the two towers in the Classical style flanking the façade.

The interior is very rich, its stucco facing covered with paintings and gilding. The cathedral contains a masterpiece: the gilded and carved wood altarpiec¬e in the chapel before the south transept. Both in size and in execution this 6C Flemish work is one of the most important of its kind. The scenes represent the life of the Virgin.

Portes Mordelaises

The city's main entrance, these gates are all that remain of the 15C ramparts The kings of Brittany passed through it on their way to the cathedral for their coronations. In 1598 the silver-gilt keys of the city were presented there to Henri IV. At this kind of ceremony the Bearnais made a statement which always went down well. “These are beautiful keys," he would say, "but I would rather have the keys to the hearts of your citizens."

The drawbridge, modeled on that of Montmuran Castle, was reconstructed in 1997.

Place des Lices

Jousts and tournaments were once held on this square. At no 34 stands a 17C mansion, the Hotel de Molant, with a mansard roof; inside, there is a sumptuous oak staircase with trompe-I'ceil paintings (a skyscape) and woodwork decorating the ceiling of its stairwell.

Rue St-Michel

This street is lined with half-timbered houses and still has the inns and taverns dating from the time when it was part of the city's suburbs.

Place Ste-Anne

The coloured half-timbered houses, Gothic and Renaissance in style, surround a neo-Gothic church. The house formerly occupied by Mayor Leperdit is at no 19. The square is next to rue d'Echange, which contains the Jacobin Convent whereAnne of Brittany was betrothed to the king of France.

Rue du Pont-aux-Foulons

This is a shopping street with 18C half-timbered houses.

Rue du Champ-Jacquet

This street leads to an oddly shaped triangular square of the same name. It is lined to the north with tall half-timbered 17C houses and is overlooked by the stone and wood facade of Hotel de Tize (no 5).

The itinerary continues along rue La Fayette and rue Nationale into the classical part of the city with its majestic buildings, in particular the Palais du Parlement de Bretagne.

Rue St-Georges

This animated street, lined with cafes and restaurants, has many old houses: Nos 8 10 and 12 form a remarkable group of 17C half-timbered houses. No 3, the 16C 16C Hotel de Moussaye, has a lovely Renaissance facade with sculptured pilasters.

Palais St-Georges

Preceded by a beautiful garden, this former Benedictine abbey (1670) now houses administrative services.

Eglise St-Germain

This Flamboyant church (15C-16C) with its 17C gable (on the south side) retains certain characteristics typical of a Breton cathedral: wood vaulting and its beams with sculpted ends. In the south transept the beautiful 16C stained-glass window recounts the life of the Virgin and the Passion. The nave contains modern stained glass windows by Max Ingrand.

Place de I'Hotel de Ville

This regal square is the centre of the Classical district. On its west side stands the town hall (Hotel de Ville) and on the east side, the theatre. To the south, beyond rue d'Orleans, the view is blocked by the Palais du Commerce (Trade Hall), an imposing buildinq decorated with monumental sculpture.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Rennes on WikiTravel

Click here

Five things to do in Rennes

In a nutshell: Rennes, the capital of Brittany, is a city of contrasts, where 2,000 years of history lie comfortably with a modern, youthful vibe. Much, though not all, of its early architecture was destroyed in 1720, when a drunken carpenter spilled a chandelier which started a six-day fire that rampaged through the city’s wooden buildings. Hence, many of the centre’s buildings date back to the 18th century. Today Rennes is known as a busy, student-friendly city and the safest city of its size in France.

When to visit: More than 50,000 of Rennes’ population are students, so summer months are quite empty of people. Spring and autumn are much more lively times to visit and early December usually hosts the very worthwhile Transmusical Festival.

Watch out for: Shops close between 12pm and 2pm each day, and all day on Sundays.

Useful website:

1. Remember ye olde times

In medieval times, the Place des Lices was a site for jousting knights. Today the space is used for a covered, open-air food market. Reconstructed jousting battles take place on Saturday mornings and the sounds of the clash of lances on shields can be heard over the hustle, bustle and good natured bargaining of one of France’s largest markets.

2. Pancakes every day

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, but when in Rennes visit a creperie. These houses of gastronomic delight are the places to find the typical Breton galettes and crepes. Similar to pancakes but made using Buckwheat flour, galettes are savory treats packed with a choice of cheese, ham, eggs and more. At a meal it is common to order a series of galettes and crepes, one after the other. Rue St Melaine is lined with a number of quality creperies.

3. Quench your thirst

Given the size of the student population, it comes as no surprise that the nightlife in Rennes is a vibrant one. The centre of the action is Rue St Michel, a narrow, cobbled, medieval street with wooden framed buildings. It has earned itself the nickname ‘Rue de la Soif’ which translates as ‘street of thirst’. Further away in Legraverend, the Couleurs Cafe (www.couleurscafe.com) - a world record breaker for having thousands of types of cocktails - is a great place to start or finish up the night.

4. Throw shapes

The Theatre National du Bretagne is renowned throughout France for its eclecticism and bold presentations. If you don’t speak French, sitting through a three-hour tragedy could be a bit of a drag. Alternatively, the theatre regularly runs dance and music productions. The wonder and wow-factor of the theatre’s Circus Arts performances, however, transcend any language barriers. Visit www.t-n-b.fr for a full programme.

5. Take a trip

An hour’s drive north of Rennes is the stunning Mont Saint Michel (www.ot-montsaintmichel.com), a gothic-styled Benedictine Abbey located on a small quasi-island. Having been an abbey, a fortress under siege and a prison, Mont Saint Michel was made a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1979 and attracts more than three million visitors a year. Take a day trip to explore the abbey and small village that have grown inside its fortified walls. Wander the narrow twisted lanes, have mussels and chips for lunch at one of the fine restaurants and take a guided tour of the abbey. Les Courriers buses depart from Rennes daily (http://www.lescourriersbretons.fr/).

Summer Movies

  1. Greenberg
  2. Repo Men
  3. The Last Song
  4. Clash of the Titans
  5. Cop Out
  6. Grown Ups
  7. Karate Kid
  8. Killers
  9. Nanny McPhee 2
  10. Sex and the City 2
  11. The Ghost Writer
  12. Toy Story 3
  13. Death at a Funeral
  14. Furry Vengeance
  15. Splice
  16. Suspect Zero
  17. Turtle the Incredible Journey

Monday, August 9, 2010

What's on this August

Far de Morlaix
Art de la rue
Different shows combining theatre, music and street theatre are on offer, free of charge during a whole week in the town of Morlaix.
Contact : http://www.artsdanslarue.com/

Onion festival in Roscoff : 20-22 August
Gastronomy
The onion trade really took off in the 1830's thanks to the onion merchants known as 'Johnnies', who crossed the English channel to sell their onions door to door. This major festival celebrating the pink onion honours their memory over two days, and celebrates these onions which are still grown in the traditional way and remain the pride and joy of the local townspeople..

Further information :here

Fête des Filets Bleus à Concarneau
Fête folklorique
Created in 1905 to come to the aid of the local fishermen and their families during the sardine crisis, a traditional Breton folk festival which takes over the town over a few days: shows, sporting events (Breton games, traditional Breton wrestling), traditional dancers and musicians...
Contact : http://filetsbleus.free.fr/

Festival du Bout du Monde à Crozon
World music
A major festive and cultural event in Finistère, making Crozon an important location during the holiday season for world music. Discover new voices, different sounds, and original rhythms from lands far away .
Contact : www.festivalduboutdumonde.com

Mondial'Folk de Plozévet
World Music Festival
This festival takes place during a week, 800 artists from all over the world come together to introduce us to their culture, origins and music...
Contact : http://www.mondialfolk.org/

Festival des Gens du Moulin à Arzano
Theatre and music
Theatre, concerts, performances, exhibitions, dancing and refreshments... in an enchanting and pastoral site on the banks of the river of Scorff.
Contact : http://lesgensdumoulin.free.fr/

Semaines Musicales à Quimper
Classical Music
For two weeks in August the town of Quimper plays host to performers and ensembles of international renown for over ten concerts... A must for all music lovers!
Contact : http://www.semaines-musicales-quimper.org/
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Thursday, August 5, 2010

Chateau de Kerjean

Chateau de Kerjean
29440 Saint-Vougay
Tel. 02 98 69 93 69

A Château and fortress, symbol of the Renaissance in Brittany, the Château of Kerjean unveils to its visitors an eventful history which over the centuries has created a particular atmosphere. Set in a green and peaceful location, a park of 20 hectares surrounds the edifice, perfect for a quiet stroll. ...

Half-fortress, half-Renaissance mansion, the Chateau stands in the midst of a huge park. Towards the mid 16C Louis Barbier inherited a fortune from his uncle, a rich abbot of St-Math¬ieu, and decided to build a castle which would be the finest residence in Leon. In 1710 part of the building burned down, later the castle was sacked. However, the castle, which has belonged to the State since 1911, has since been restored except for the right wing. The buildings are guarded by a moat and ramparts; enter the main courtyard via the old drawbridge.


A main building with two wings and a large portico enclose the main courtyard, which is adorned with a fine Corinthian-columned Renaissance well. The dwelling house contains a museum of Breton art with fine 17C and 18C furnishings: box beds, chests, grain chests.

The kitchen, a vast room with a ceiling 6m/20ft high, has two monumental chimneys facing each other, one of which was used as the bread oven, and a large copperware collection.

On the courtyard’s other side is the chapel. Inside it is decorated with a wooden vault in the shape of a ship's keel and carved beams and purlins. The coach house wing, which once housed the stores, a forge and the servants' quarters, has been restored. There is a slide show on the history of Kerjean. A door leads to an alley supported on a gallery with eight arches, which give a good overall view of the main courtyard and the buildings around it.

The park includes French-style gardens and a charming Renaissance fountain consisting of a niche surrounded by four colonnettes, set into a little stone wall.

The noise of the spring, mingled with the warbling of the birds makes a pleasant background in which to meditate. On leaving, to the left of the cental avenue note the he dovecot, a stone tower 9m/29.5ft in diameter.

Every year, there are temporary exhibitions held, devoted to contemporary art in Spring, and the history of Brittany in summer. During July and August evening theatre performances are on offer.


2010 Exhibition : from the 26/03 to 07/11 : Brittany presents its cinema.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Port Launay


Location
Port Launay is located in a valley towards the center of Finistère. It is centrally located between Quimper to the south and Brest to the North (both about 20 minutes drive away). To the West, the Menez-Hom hills separate it from the Crozon peninsula and the Bay of Douarnenez which leads into the Atlantic Ocean.

What to expect
In the village you will find yachtsmen, walkers and other holidaymakers. There is a crêperie, a patisserie and you'll find free mooring for boats. You can rent mountain bikes, canoes, pédaloes or small boats in which you can to go the lock or check out neighbouring Chateaulin.

Within a couple of minutes walk downstream from the town square you'll find yourself on towpaths overhung by trees full of birds. You can visit the Parc des Poètes, the 17th century chapel of St Aubin, and see the view over the valley of the Aulne.

During the summer months there are many small village festivals, some quite unusual, like the popular Paella and Sea Chanting evening in mid-May. But if you're only going to see one, make sure you don’t miss the local celebrations during the third weekend in July, which come to a close with a parade of decorated floats on the river and a son-et-lumière with a fantastic firework display.
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