Rennes is the capital of the Bretagne region. The city was consumed by fire in 1720 and was rebuilt in the severe classical style of the time. The district of Rennes has preserved vast farm lands in a fertile area and numerous natural sights, notably along the River Vilaine. Local industries include car manufacturing and telecommunications. Citroen is currently the largest employer of the population of Rennes. Rennes old quarter, with its s cobblestone streets and half-timbered, 15th and 16th century Renaissance and medieval houses, is the liveliest part of the city. Cafes, boutiques and crepe houses occupy many of the old buildings and it is here where you will find the most spirited night life. The man area of the nightlife and bar culture is centred in the older area to the north of the cathedral on two roads, rue St Michel, and rue St Malo. The main area of the nightlife and bar culture here is centred in the older area to the north of the cathedral. The nightlife tends to be in the bar and cafes which frequently offer entertainment in the form of traditional Breton music Though out the year there is an important schedule of concerts, ballet, opera, and theatres. It has won Brittany acclaim as France s second region for gastronomy in terms of the number of chefs featuring in the national restaurant guides. The Festival Gourmand, focusing on regional dishes and draws a hundred chefs from Rennes. Each year in Early July the city has a festival called Les tombees de la nuit. The festival is massive and almost all of Rennes seems to come and take part in the light and sound extravaganza. You can catch a Concert in Breton or experience a laser and light shown in the main squares. The opera house of Rennes was built in the 19th century and is located in the centre of the town at the lovely place de la mairie. The Opera in Rennes aims to attractive a more youthful audience. The Opera was fully renovated in 1997, the Rennes Opera building is a sight not to be missed. Rennes has two universities and a medical school along with numerous specialized The Parliament Buildingis the finest building in Rennes now the law-court, designed by Jacques Debrosse in the 17th century, and decorated with statues of legal celebrities, carving, and paintings by Jean Jouvenet and other well-known artists.
