Discover 5 Shops in Rennes: Vintage French Fashion and More in the Heart of Brittany

In our series highlighting 5 Shops, we’ll guide you to our top independent retailers in some of the world’s most exciting cities. From food markets to bookstores, vintage finds to local designs, we’ve curated a vibrant selection of shops where you can discover unique treasures.

As the heart of one of France’s most iconic regions, Rennes is famous for its charming half-timbered buildings and rich cultural tapestry. This lively, youthful city in Brittany offers even more: indulge in fantastic dining, lively nightlife, a dynamic art scene, and if you visit in December, don’t miss one of Europe’s major music festivals.

Just a quick one-and-a-half-hour high-speed train journey from Paris, Rennes makes for a perfect day trip or a launching pad to uncover Brittany’s gems, such as St-Malo and Mont St-Michel. Join us for a relaxed walk to reveal its hidden delights.

Top Choice for Souvenirs: Breizh Club

Founded by a passionate group of Bretons, this vibrant brand has been devoted to ready-to-wear fashion and souvenirs since 2016. Located near the town hall in the city center, this quaint boutique allows visitors to shop for trendy items made from 100% organic cotton, all printed locally.

For those looking to bring a slice of the region home, the shop features a variety of options, including embroidered marinières—the iconic French maritime tops—eye-catching tote bags, and even socks adorned with ‘rain boot’ patterns, celebrating Brittany’s, shall we say, unique weather.

Breizh Club pays homage to Brittany’s rich heritage and its cultural quirks, offering a wide range of home accessories: mugs, posters, beach towels, cooking aprons, and more. My top recommendation? An upcycled toiletry bag (€40), created by local seamstresses from the fabric of an old marinière.

Top Spot for Local Design: Le Mur habité

Let’s venture a little away from the city center to explore a distinctive architectural initiative and hub for local designers: Le Mur habité. Situated alongside the railway, this soundproof wall made of wood and glass stands as a testament to Rennes' vibrant craftsmanship scene. It has evolved into a creative nucleus where artists, designers, and artisans come together to celebrate the spirit of Breton craftsmanship and innovation.

Here, visitors are welcomed by a range of contemporary artisans: from silkscreen printing to feather craftsmanship, sewing, and lampshade creation. Drop by anytime to see how beautifully crafted items come to life, like the exquisite jewelry from L’Atelier Septentrion, made using sand casting techniques that date back to the Bronze Age. One of my friends even designed his wedding with their assistance.

Adjacent to the iconic art venue Les Ateliers du Vent, Le Mur habité regularly hosts workshops and events that foster collaboration and inspiration within the local creative community.

Top Pick for Vintage: Rossignol de mes amours

With the rise in thrift shopping, finding affordable, quality vintage clothing can be a challenge. However, that’s not the case at Rossignol de mes amours, nestled in the vibrant Saint-Hélier neighborhood, just a few blocks from the train station.

This quaint shop features a charming selection of standout vintage pieces meticulously curated by Parisian-born Stéphanie. From made-in-France floral dresses to stylish leather bags and cozy wool cardigans, Rossignol de mes amours provides timeless and affordable finds for both men and women, capturing the essence of past eras.

Stéphanie, the enthusiastic and friendly owner, enjoys sharing her expertise and assisting customers in discovering their perfect item. As a vintage lover myself, I found a black leather belt with a cowboy buckle from Lee (€25) and an asymmetrical silver ring (€20) that I’ve worn almost daily for a year.

Top Choice for Books: La Nuit des temps

Overlooking the Vilaine river is a feminist haven that champions the power of literature and equality. Established in 2017 by Ayla Saura and Solveig Touzé, this independent bookstore has quickly become a vital destination for locals and travelers in search of intellectual engagement and community connection.

The shelves brim with comic books, magazines, children’s literature, and works from contemporary voices like Mona Chollet, alongside classics from icons such as Simone de Beauvoir. Some titles are also available in English.

However, La Nuit des temps is more than just a bookstore; it has transformed into a vibrant cultural center, hosting regular talks from artists, activists, and writers. This lively atmosphere fosters a commitment to social justice and empowerment, with a focus on social sciences, ecology, anti-racism, and LGBTIQ+ issues.

Top Spot for Food: Le marché des Lices

A weekend staple in Rennes and a celebration of Breton cuisine, le marché des Lices is one of France's largest markets. For 400 years, locals have flocked here to purchase the finest regional products, including fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables, from 200 to 300 local vendors.

Some visitors come to enjoy a hot dish after a night out (and trust me, the galette-saucisse is always a winner). Others stroll through the vibrant stalls, picking out beautiful flowers for their loved ones. My favorite activity? Grabbing some snacks for an early afternoon apéritif and then enjoying a fresh pint on the terrace of La Gazoline, just a short walk from the market.