Thabor Botanic Gardens is a central park with a French-style layout and colourful floral displays. Its 25 acres (10 hectares) of picturesque grounds contain statues, a bandstand, a playground and a large greenhouse where tropical plants flourish. Spend a relaxing afternoon sitting on a bench in these serene surroundings.
The park consists of signposted trails of flowers leading in circles. The 11 beds have more than 1,000 species of flowers. In the adjoining park, see more than 100 types of trees. Look through the pretty chrysanthemum collection. More exotic plants are protected in the greenhouse. See sculptures and topiary scattered around the park.
Take the kids to the children’s playground, where they can use the large red slides on a patch of sand. Enjoy a Ping-Pong table and a carousel. Sunbathe on the lawn and explore the rest of the vast park in Rennes’ centre.
Practice your photography skills taking pictures of the displays of the pretty plants. Take a break from viewing flowers to have a meal at the restaurant or café. Sip coffee as you review the photos you took earlier. Enjoy the occasional concerts held at the gardens’ bandstand. Check for outdoor art exhibits that are often installed alongside the flowers.
The garden dates back to the early 1600s, when it was the garden of St. Melaine Abbey. It became public in 1868. Visit the park any day from morning until evening for free. Winter has a slightly earlier closing time.
Thabor Botanic Gardens is in the main park in the centre of Rennes near the Square de la Motte, the Palais du Parlement and the Museum of Fine Arts. Walk east for less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) from the Sainte Anne metro station and enjoy all of Thabor Park as you move toward the gardens.