Shopping in style and ‘unforgettable musical encounters’: It’s all happening in Rennes in December

If you’re planning to do some Christmas shopping across the English Channel in the bustling region of Brittany, you may want to make the most of the trip and visit the culturally-fulfilling city of Rennes.

Rennes is a city swathed in heritage. It’s vibrant and vast pedestrian area in the middle of the city is brimming with quality shops, bars and restaurants, the perfect place to enjoy some Christmas shopping while soaking up some unique Breton culture.

The city’s medieval quarter is scattered with quirky boutiques, where shoppers can pick up unusual Christmas gifts for loved ones that they would be hard-pushed to find in Britain’s shops.

If you are lured by the charms of high street chain shopping, head down Rue d’Estrees, Rue Orleans, Rue La Motte Fablet and Rue le Bastard, where you can enjoy shopping in the better-known stores.

But if you want to take your Christmas Rennes experience that little bit further, why not visit the city’s Transmusicales event.

Taking place from 3 – 7 December 2014, Transmusicales gives the people of Rennes and its visitors a taste of the “musical trends of tomorrow.”

Bands and musical artists ascend on the city in the hope of relinquishing their musical anonymity in replace of fame and acclaim.

The Transmusicales event, which is dubbed as being a “leading light of the modern music scene,” has taken place in Rennes for the last 30 years. More commonly referred to as ‘The Trans’, this unique musical festival was founded in June 1979 and has become synonymous with “unforgettable encounters” with predominantly unknown artists.

Previous artists who have played here and have subsequently gone on to enjoy critical musical acclaim include Nirvana, Portishead, and, more recently, Kate Nash and the Ting Tangs.

For information about this year’s line-up and to buy tickets for ‘The Trans’ visit the official ‘Les Trans’ website.