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Parc du Thabor
Rennes' Green Gem, Combining French and English Gardens
Discover Parc du Thabor
Located in the heart of Rennes, Parc du Thabor is a 10-hectare tranquil oasis, considered one of the most beautiful gardens in France. Formerly the garden of the Saint-Melaine Abbey, it was redesigned in the 19th century by renowned landscape architect Denis Bühler. The park is divided into several distinct areas: a geometric French garden, a more natural English garden, a magnificent rose garden with over 2,000 roses, tropical greenhouses housing exotic plants, and a bird cage housing various bird species. The main entrance is at Place Saint-Mélaine. The park's architecture reflects French landscape artistry while incorporating diverse botanical elements. It is a popular spot for Rennais and tourists alike for strolling, resting, and exploring flora. The park also features a café-restaurant (open during warm seasons) and children's play areas. Various cultural events are organized throughout the year.
Visit Tips
- Open daily, free admission
- Ideal for picnics or family strolls
- The rose garden is magnificent from May to October
- Tropical greenhouses are free to visit during opening hours
- Easily accessible from Rennes city center on foot or by public transport
Highlights
- 10-hectare garden, rated among the most beautiful in France
- Rose garden with over 2,000 roses and 150 varieties
- Tropical greenhouses housing tropical plants and cacti
- Bird cage with various bird species
- Botanical garden with rare tree species and arboretum
About Parc du Thabor
Basic Information
Official Name
Parc du Thabor
Attraction Type
Municipal Park, Botanical Garden, Protected Site
Country
France
City
Rennes
Google Rating
4.7/5 (13,604)
Address
Pl. Saint-Mélaine, 35000 Rennes, France
Visiting Information
Park Access
Open daily from dawn to dusk (hours vary by season)
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-June): Rose garden in bloom, mild and pleasant weather
Summer (July-August): Shade and coolness, picnics recommended
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (September-November): Magnificent colors, fewer visitors
Winter (December-March): Peaceful ambiance, tree structures clearly visible
Greenhouses close at 17:00 in winter and 19:00 in summer
Ticket Prices
Park Entry
Free entry, open year-round
Parking
Paid parking nearby, public transport highly recommended
How to Get Here
From City Center (City Hall Square)
10 minutes on foot. Follow signs for 'Parc Thabor' or 'Saint-Mélaine'. Cross Pont de Strasbourg, then head towards Place Saint-Mélaine.
From Rennes Train Station
20 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by bus (lines C1, C2, 56, stop at 'Saint-Mélaine'). Exit from north side of station, cross historic center.
From Rennes Bretagne Airport
Take bus C6 to the city center (about 20 mins), then transfer to Metro Line A to 'Sainte-Anne', 5 mins on foot.
Public Transport
Metro line A: stop at 'Sainte-Anne', then 5 minutes on foot. STAR buses: many bus lines stop at 'Saint-Mélaine' near the park.
Walking
Perfectly integrated into Rennes city center. Combine with visit to historic center, Saint-Pierre Cathedral and Parliament of Brittany.
Driving & Parking
Limited parking in the area. Recommended parking: 'Saint-Mélaine' parking or 'Charles de Gaulle' parking. Park is accessible by car, but Rennes historic center is very walkable.
The Story of Parc du Thabor
History & Creation
The site of Thabor has a history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally, it was the vegetable garden and orchard of the Saint-Melaine Abbey, providing food for the Benedictine monks. After the French Revolution, the garden became property of the Rennes municipality. In the 19th century, under the impetus of the then mayor, the garden was transformed into a public park. The famous landscape architect Denis Bühler was commissioned to design what we now know as Parc du Thabor. Work spanned from 1866 to 1868.
Cultural Significance
The name 'Thabor' refers to Mount Tabor in the Bible, a mountain in Galilee where according to the Gospels, the Transfiguration of Jesus took place. This name gives the park a peaceful and spiritual ambiance. Today, Parc du Thabor is much more than a simple public garden. It is a living space for Rennais, a place for relaxation and conviviality. It embodies the art of living in Brittany and the attachment of Rennes residents to their green heritage. The park has become a symbol of the city's ecological commitment.
Design & Architecture
Denis Bühler's genius lay in articulating two contrasting but complementary garden styles: 1. French garden: geometric, orderly, with trimmed boxwood and perspective views towards Saint-Melaine Church 2. English garden: more free, mimicking wild nature, with a pond and various tree species This duality is the park's signature. Also featured are an 18th-century orangerie, 19th-century greenhouses, and many landscape architecture elements that make it a protected site.
Botanical Treasures
Parc du Thabor is not only a place for strolling, but also a botanical garden rich in thousands of plant species. The rose garden, created in the 1960s, is one of the most beautiful in western France. Recently restored, the tropical greenhouses house plant collections from warm regions: cacti, orchids, banana trees, and many other fascinating species. The arboretum features centennial trees and rare species, offering a true inventory of plant biodiversity.
Recommended Walking Route
Enter from Place Saint-Mélaine, visit the French garden first, continue to the rose garden, go down to the English garden and pond, visit the tropical greenhouses, and finish with the arboretum. Allow 2-3 hours for a complete visit.
Enter through main entrance at Place Saint-Mélaine, admire the façade of Saint-Melaine Church
Stroll through the French garden, admire the trimmed boxwood and perspective views
Visit the rose garden (best period: May to October)
Go down to the English garden and its pond with ducks
Explore the tropical greenhouses (orchids, cacti, tropical plants)
Visit the bird cage and observe various bird species
Continue to the arboretum and centennial trees
Take a break at the park café (open seasonally)
Photo Spots
Rose Garden
The rose garden with over 2,000 roses, magnificent in spring and summer
French Garden
Perfect geometric perspectives, ideal for architectural photography
Tropical Greenhouses
Beautiful glass architecture, lush interior with tropical plants
Pond
The English garden with its pond, ducks and centennial trees
Orangerie
18th century historic building, elegant backdrop for photos
Accommodation
City Center Upscale Hotels
~€110-160/nightVarious upscale accommodation options in Rennes center, elegant with excellent service, 10 min walk to Thabor.
Boutique Design Hotels
~€90-130/nightContemporary design boutique hotels close to the center, fully equipped, 15 min walk to the park.
Budget Hotels Near Train Station
~€65-95/nightBudget-friendly options near the train station, clean and comfortable, unbeatable location for transit.
Historic Center Guesthouses
~€50-90/nightAuthentic neighborhood experience with local atmosphere, 10 min walk to Thabor.
Photo Gallery
Parc du Thabor - Rennes' Green Gem
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Parc du Thabor 公园入口
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法式花园
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玫瑰园
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英式花园
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热带温室
池塘与鸭子
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橘园
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树木园
Visitor Reviews
Visitor feedback can be viewed via Google Maps (external link).
An absolutely magnificent park! The rose garden is exceptional in May-June. A true oasis of calm in the city center. I highly recommend it!
Discovered by chance while strolling. What a beautiful surprise! The garden architecture is superb. Not to be missed if you visit Rennes.
Beautiful park with great plant diversity. Free and open to all. We combined it with a visit to the historic center - perfect day in Rennes!
As a Rennais, Thabor is my favorite park. It represents true Rennes - green, elegant and welcoming. A gem of the city.