Discover Le Rheu

Le Rheu offers visitors a range of things to explore: ecologically important natural areas, rural heritage, cultural events and regional produce. Whether you are interested in nature, history or the cultural programme, you can discover different sides of the town.

Getting there and finding your way around

Le Rheu is served by Rennes Métropole’s STAR network, with bus routes 54, 154ex, 56 and 76. The bus journey from Le Rheu town centre to Rennes takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes. As routes and journey times can change, check the latest STAR information before travelling. This will help you plan around the connection without treating the approximate journey time as a fixed timetable duration.

Wetland and woodland

Étang de Freslonnière covers 10.04 hectares and is of great ecological importance. Its ecological value lies in the diversity of its aquatic habitats; its flora, habitats and fauna are also highly diverse. The ecological survey is based on data collected in 2022 and was approved in June 2025. The pond therefore offers a specific natural highlight, whose significance lies above all in its varied habitats.

Another natural area is Bois de la Motte. The woodland is designated an Espace naturel sensible (ENS), a sensitive natural area, and contributes to the protection of biodiversity. It is home to specimens of the lesser horseshoe bat, considered rare in Brittany and classified as endangered. A two-kilometre discovery trail runs through Bois de la Motte. Along the trail, you can learn about and identify tree species and fauna—another way to explore nature, distinct from focusing on the aquatic habitats of the Étang.

Trails and cycling connections

A mountain biking and leisure area with trails and picnic spots is located in the Les Cormiers business park. As facilities can change over time, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting. For cycling trips, the “Entre Vilaine et Meu” loop offers a different way to find your bearings: it is 29 kilometres long and returns via the towpath near Chavagne and the Étangs d’Apigné. The Réseau Express Vélo also provides a cycling connection from Rennes to Le Rheu. This lets you distinguish between a connection linking two places and a described circular route.

Rural heritage and culture

Le Rheu’s rural heritage includes farmsteads dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. They were built from earth using the rammed-earth technique characteristic of the Rennes Basin, known as bauge. The churches reveal another aspect of the area’s history: Saint-Melaine Church in Moigné has Romanesque origins and preserves a 16th-century stained-glass window classified as a Monument historique. The choir of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul Church in Le Rheu dates to 1424.

The current cultural offering also features a range of venues and formats. The L’Autre Lieu media library provides event spaces and a cultural programme. AGORA offers theatre, concerts and exhibitions throughout the year; the Georges-Brassens Hall regularly hosts performances as part of the association’s cultural season. Le Son d’Gaston, a contemporary music festival, has been held in Le Rheu every year since 2022. Les Terres Solaires is a place to discover exhibitions and works by local artisans. Workshops and courses in basketry, glass, clay, polymer clay and textiles are planned there.

Farm shop and regional produce

Le Rheu Maraîchers runs a farm shop in Le Rheu, selling produce from its own farm alongside other local foods. The range also includes dairy products, drinks, and meat and charcuterie. You can pick your own strawberries at the farm. The shop thus complements the nature and culture themes with a direct link to regional produce.

Discover more destinations: Baulon, Saint-Georges-de-Reintembault, Montfort-Sur-Meu, Quédillac, Saint-Grégoire, Bruc-Sur-Aff, Ercé-près-Liffré, Betton.

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