Cesson-Sévigné walks

Walk along a shaded path on the banks of the Vilaine river, passing by the Manoir de Tizé.

The city of Rennes has no shortage of green spaces, as evidenced by this route which passes through two parks and small gardens. This route offers a lovely, relaxing stroll right in the heart of the city, with very few tarmac paths.

An urban walk where you first stroll along the Vilaine river before crossing two public gardens. Then you wander through the historic centre of Rennes with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. With the Palais Saint-Georges, the Portes Mordelaises, the Opera House, the Parliament of Brittany and several churches, there is a rich heritage to discover.

A short walk along the banks of the Vilaine and Chevré rivers, also known as La Veuvre, taking you around Acigné. Please note that during periods of heavy rain, some parts of the route may be flooded.

A walk through the centre of Rennes, passing important sites such as the new convention centre (former Jacobins Convent, Parliament of Brittany, etc.) and ending pleasantly at the Thabor Gardens. The route also allows you to appreciate the architectural richness of old Rennes and some admirable façades.

This path takes us through the meadows of the Thorigné dairy farms to the Rennes National Forest. There, the scenery changes: oak and pine forests, around the Caleuvre, recreate for us the fantastical world of elves. Very colourful in spring and autumn. Nature just a stone’s throw from the city. The first section follows the Chemin Joseph Gentil, established in memory of this resistance fighter from Betton.

Discover the variety of street art in Rennes: this short, very pleasant route to the north of Rennes’ historic centre takes you past around fifty works.Ranging from simple tags and lettering to graffiti and murals, including mosaics, drawings and various signatures, this short, colourful stroll allows you to appreciate all the facets of this modern art form. A mix of now-famous Rennes-based artists such as War! and graffiti artists from other regions gives a good sense of the scene’s vibrancy. The route takes you along little-known paths and alleyways in Old Rennes. You’ll skirt small parks and pass through gates to end up at Place Sainte-Anne, one of the city’s liveliest squares.Photographers, treat yourselves – you won’t regret it. And choose your time of day for the best light.

A short hike in the Rennes forest along shady forest lines and paths through the forest alongside the Caleuvre stream. This easy trail is particularly beautiful in early spring, when the beech trees have young, light-green leaves, or in autumn, when the leaves have turned yellow and red. It takes you along the old water supply line that brought water from the Minette (a tributary of the Couesnon) to Rennes.

Although very close to Rennes, this route mainly offers routes on wide gravel or grassy paths. There is very little tarmac except when you are close to inhabited areas.

A short route with no particular difficulties between Saint-Grégoire and Betton. No risk of getting lost, just follow the Ille and Rance canal along the towpath on the east bank and then return via the west bank.

This short walk allows you to enjoy the Ille and Rance Canal and the countryside in the south-east of the town, starting from the centre of Betton. The charm of the Pluvignon stream, shaded by a double row of ancient oak trees, makes you fancy a picnic. After the village of La Forme, the return route via the Vau Robion footpath takes us back to the canal.

The Rennes Forest, starting from the Ille and Rance Canal. After approaching via the towpath, then through the countryside along sunken paths, we enter the great forest via the slopes of the Caleuvre. The trail avoids the main forest avenues to allow us to enjoy the tall, centuries-old oaks, the banks of the Caleuvre, and the tranquillity of the forest. Magnificent photos to be taken in spring and autumn. Shaded in summer, very accessible in winter, the forest surprises us with its light.

This walk allows you to enjoy the tranquillity of the Ille and Rance Canal, as well as discover the charm of the countryside south-east of Betton. You’ll come across the Haut Chalet Lock, the Pluvignon Stream and the Bois de Champaufour. The route passes close to dairy farms and, after a few footpaths through Betton, rejoins the canal. Largely shaded, this varied walk is particularly colourful in spring and autumn. Some sections remain damp in winter.

This hike is an opportunity to discover the charm of the countryside south of Betton, with a return trip along the towpath of the Ille and Rance Canal. More than half of the route is dedicated to cyclists and hikers. The rest of the route consists of dead-end roads with little traffic. You will discover the Haut Chalet lock, the hamlets of Vau Robion and Les Lices, and the Moulin de la Charbonnière site with its wash house. Colourful, cool and peaceful. Can also be done by motorbike.

The towpath of the Ille and Rance Canal, the lock, the footpath and the river – nature greets you from the very first few metres. The many sunken paths along the route give this easy walk its special charm. Very colourful in spring and autumn in the sunshine. Shade from the plane trees in summer. However, it can be damp during rainy winters.

Explore both banks of the Vilaine as it flows through part of the city of Rennes.

An easy route, which takes you to the outskirts of Pont-Péan through the countryside and back along the Seiche. Just be careful of cars when crossing the N137 (two four-lane carriageways to cross). Please note: access to the Seiche may be restricted during periods of high water and flooding.

This walk has a charm that lies in the many sunken paths it takes along the slopes of the Ille, west of Chevaigné. Sometimes lined with hundred-year-old oak trees, you can enjoy the peace and quiet, the colours and nature. Sometimes with a wide view over the Ille valley, it allows you to discover the Ille and Rance canal below, the meadows and hamlets. Very colourful in spring and autumn, shaded in summer, passable in winter: a walk for all weathers!

This hike takes us from the Ille and Rance Canal to the plateau north of Chevaigné via the eastern slopes of the Ille. It allows us to discover the charm of the locks, the sunken paths and the countryside with its hamlets. It is very varied and colourful in spring and autumn. This hike can be extended to include the "Les coteaux de l'Ille à Chevaigné" hike, with which it shares the same starting/finishing point.

A short, picturesque walk along the Ille-et-Rance Canal and via the Chemin des Amoureux. The route alternates between small roads and dirt tracks through the bocage. The paths can be very wet in winter due to the proximity of the canal.

One of the most beautiful walks in the Rennes State Forest: centuries-old oaks, tranquil paths, streams, light and shade. Suitable for everyone and in all seasons. Trees of the forest, you know my soul!...You know, the stone where a beetle scurries,A humble drop of water fallen from flower to flower,A cloud, a bird, occupy me for a whole day.Contemplation fills my heart with love.Victor Hugo.

If you enjoyed the route from La Fontaine Saint-Raoul to Saint-Sulpice-la-Forêt, you’ll like this one too. It’s essentially the same route, but this time to the north of the ponds. The path winds its way through alternating beech and pine forests, sometimes meandering through the heart of the woodland, sometimes following the wide avenues. Shade and light for everyone, all year round.