A 2-kilometre discovery trail, rural farmsteads dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, and a year-round cultural programme give Le Rheu several distinct points of interest. There are also bus and cycling connections to Rennes. The details below will help you plan your stay around nature, history, culture and travel.

Nature at the Étang de Freslonnière and in the Bois de la Motte

The Étang de Freslonnière covers 10.04 hectares and is of great ecological importance. An ecological assessment approved in June 2025 is based on a survey conducted in 2022. Its flora, habitats and fauna are diverse; its ecological value stems in particular from the variety of aquatic habitats. Nature enthusiasts will find a clear focus here on different types of water habitat.

The Bois de la Motte is designated an Espace naturel sensible (ENS), a sensitive natural area, and helps protect biodiversity. It is home to specimens of the lesser horseshoe bat, which is considered rare and threatened in Brittany. A 2-kilometre discovery trail runs through the Bois de la Motte, where you can learn about and identify tree species and fauna. The trail combines a nature experience with a practical learning opportunity, without requiring you to plan a longer route.

Another site for outdoor activities is in the Les Cormiers business park: the mountain biking and leisure area has trails and picnic spots. Facilities may change, so check the latest municipal notices before your visit. The nature attractions in Le Rheu therefore have distinct focuses: the Étang highlights the variety of aquatic habitats, while the Bois de la Motte offers a discovery trail and an emphasis on biodiversity.

Architecture and traces of history

The earliest evidence of Le Rheu dates back to the 13th century. The Church of Saint-Melaine in Moigné has Romanesque origins; its 16th-century stained-glass window is classified as a historic monument. In Le Rheu, the choir of the Church of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul is dated to 1424. These buildings offer different points of reference for exploring the history of the area and its churches.

Le Rheu’s rural heritage includes earthen farmsteads dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. A defining feature of the Rennes Basin is the use of rammed earth, known as bauge. Architecture enthusiasts will find not only churches here but also an example of a locally distinctive rural building style.

Cultural programme, crafts and local produce

The L’Autre Lieu media library has event spaces and a cultural programme. AGORA presents a diverse year-round artistic programme of theatre, concerts and exhibitions; performances during the cultural season are regularly held at the Georges-Brassens Hall. The contemporary music festival Le Son d’Gaston has been held in Le Rheu every year since 2022. Together, these offerings provide a range of options for visitors with an interest in culture.

The Les Terres Solaires ceramics studio holds exhibitions and sells works by local craftspeople. Le Rheu Maraîchers has a farm shop selling produce from its own farm as well as local food, dairy products and drinks. The selection also includes meat and charcuterie products. You can pick your own strawberries at the farm.

Getting there and cycling routes

Le Rheu is served by Rennes Métropole’s STAR network, with bus routes 54, 154ex, 56 and 76. The bus journey from central Le Rheu to Rennes takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Routes and journey times may change, so check the latest STAR information before travelling. The Réseau Express Vélo provides a cycling connection between Rennes and Le Rheu.

Another cycling option is the 29-kilometre “Entre Vilaine et Meu” loop. It follows the towpath near Chavagne and returns via the Étangs d’Apigné. These are two distinct cycling options to consider when planning your trip: the Réseau Express Vélo connects Rennes and Le Rheu, while the loop is a longer ride with its own route. The 2-kilometre discovery trail in the Bois de la Motte and the 29-kilometre cycling loop also offer very different scales of activity.

Discover more destinations

Saint-Broladre, Parigné, La Bouëxière, La Chapelle-Aux-Filtzméens, Bourg-des-Comptes, Saint-Thurial, Meillac, Longaulnay

For the main travel overview: Ille-Et-Vilaine.