The Tomb of Merlin is worth hunting out, secluded and lying quietly amid a grove of trees. According to legend, the Lady of the Lake circled Merlin nine times, casting a spell that captivated and entrapped the mythical wizard at this spot. Today, all that remains of the tomb are three large, ancient and mossy rocks, but the setting is most peaceful. Offerings to the sorcerer are often left here, displayed on the ground or arrayed on the stones themselves.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Château de Josselin
21.72 MILES
Guarded by its three round towers and overlooking the canal, the extraordinary town château is an formidable sight that remains the home of the Rohan…
Rue du Jerzual & rue du Petit Fort
26.22 MILES
Lined with half-timbered houses, this astonishing cobbled street has been here since at least the 12th century. It leads downhill at a steep angle all the…
Musée des Beaux-Arts
20.6 MILES
Extensive collections span the 15th century to the present at the Museum of Fine Arts, plus there is a section devoted to antiquities. The Pont-Aven…
Basilique St-Sauveur
26.18 MILES
The soaring chancel of the Basilique St-Sauveur is Flamboyant Gothic, but the south side of the church is Romanesque, while other periods and styles get…
Basilique Notre-Dame du Roncier
21.7 MILES
Ringed by some highly impressive gargoyles, parts of the Basilique Notre-Dame du Roncier date from the 12th century, including its Romanesque pillars. The…
Piscine Saint-Georges
20.63 MILES
The amazing building housing these baths makes for an astonishing sight as you walk up Rue Gambetta. Constructed between 1923 and 1926, it was designed by…
Vieux Pont
26.37 MILES
Be sure to head downhill along rue du Jerzual and rue du Petit Fort to the Vieux Pont (Old Bridge). From here, the bridge, a pretty little port, hemmed by…
Champs Libres
20.58 MILES
Rennes' futuristic cultural centre is home to the Musée de Bretagne, with displays on Breton history and culture. Under the same roof is Espace des…
Nearby Brittany attractions
1. Abbaye de Paimpont
4.84 MILES
Scenically overlooking the waters of the Étang de Paimpont (Paimpont Pond), this splendid and tranquil abbey is a highlight of the region. The abbey…
2. Cathédrale St-Pierre
20.23 MILES
Crowning Rennes' old town is the 17th-century cathedral, which has an impressive, if dark, neoclassical interior adorned with a fabulous ceiling.
3. Palais du Parlement de Bretagne
20.48 MILES
This 17th-century former seat of the rebellious Breton parliament has, in more recent times, been home to the Palais de Justice. In 1994 this building was…
4. Espace des Sciences
20.57 MILES
Highly popular with and chiefly aimed at kids, the Espace des Sciences is a fun interactive science museum arranged over two floors, situated in Rennes'…
5. Champs Libres
20.58 MILES
Rennes' futuristic cultural centre is home to the Musée de Bretagne, with displays on Breton history and culture. Under the same roof is Espace des…
6. Musée de Bretagne
20.58 MILES
The excellent Musée de Bretagne contains exhaustive and in-depth displays on Breton history and culture, through to the modern era.
7. Musée des Beaux-Arts
20.6 MILES
Extensive collections span the 15th century to the present at the Museum of Fine Arts, plus there is a section devoted to antiquities. The Pont-Aven…
8. Piscine Saint-Georges
20.63 MILES
The amazing building housing these baths makes for an astonishing sight as you walk up Rue Gambetta. Constructed between 1923 and 1926, it was designed by…