The best European city for a one-night stay revealed — with rooms for £69

A medieval destination with plenty to keep you occupied for 24 hours (Picture: Getty Images)

The best place in Europe for a budget-friendly, one-night escape has been revealed as a compact but culturally rich city just a one-hour flight from London.

For years, Europe’s big-ticket cities (Paris and Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Madrid) have been popular choices for last-minute getaways.

But as several hotspots push back against mass tourism, a new star is rising in north-western France: Rennes.

Destinations were ranked based on factors such as flight time from the UK, distance from the airport to the city centre, and the nightly cost of a centrally located hotel room. 

Here’s why this medieval destination is the perfect choice for a whirlwind weekend, no annual leave required.   

Why travel to Rennes?

Less than an hour by plane from London, Rennes is a swift hop across the Channel with return fares from just £64. One of the biggest advantages of this historic city is its size: easy to navigate and highly walkable. 

The airport bus that runs direct to the city centre costs only €2, so flights and transfers can easily come in under £70.

Pick up some blooms at the market in Place Saint-Michel (Picture: Getty Images)

Once you arrive, accommodation keeps pace with the budget-friendly theme.

A centrally located hotel averages around £69 per night, while hostels start from as little as £22.

For something with more character, the Magic Hall Hotel has arty rooms themed around music, dance, and theatre, with doubles from £78 a night.

What to do in Rennes

Rennes is a city where modern meets medieval in a beautiful balance. 

Rennes sits in the province of Brittany in northern France (Picture: Metro / Datawrapper)

Brittany’s ancient but vibrant capital is quite the sight, with cobbled lanes, half-timber houses, and a host of charming cafes, bookshops, and creperies. It’s tailor-made for a one-night escape.  

Spend the morning getting lost in the historic centre, strolling through squares and shops before diving into the Breton food scene.

The specialty is galette-saucisse: a sausage and onion wrapped in a warm buckwheat crepe. This local bite can be found at markets in the Place des Lices or from food trucks around town.  

Walk off your lunch at Parc du Thabor, Rennes’ biggest park in the heart of town, with a small but beautiful botanical garden.

Parc du Thabor is a must-visit in Rennes (Picture: Getty Images)

For dinner, head to Rue Nantaise, the city’s gastronomic hub. Here, traditional French bistros sit side-by-side with inventive fusion kitchens, offering something to suit every palate.

Although it’s small, Rennes doesn’t close down as evening falls. With outdoor music venues, dive bars and nightclubs, the buzzy spirit of the city can last through the early hours of the morning.  

48-hour tours of Rennes 

Rennes is well-positioned for a twin-city break, ideal if you’re tempted to extend your trip.

A nice option is Saint Malo, a 45-minute train ride from Rennes, with fares from £13. Perched on Brittany’s northern coast, this walled port city stands tall behind its granite ramparts, offering sweeping sea views and waves that crash against its bastions.

At low tide, the sea pulls back to reveal small islands offshore. When the tide is at its lowest, you can walk across the sand and explore the offshore forts.

These views are worth the detour (Picture: Getty Images)

With plenty of small town charm and salty air, a day in Saint Malo is the perfect companion to a pit-stop in northern France. 

If a city break is more your speed, Vitré is just 30 minutes by train from Rennes, with tickets starting at £6. This under-the-radar spot is overflowing with medieval character. 

Not to be missed is the Château de Vitré, a medieval castle straight from a fairytale with elaborate stone towers, a moat and views over the Ille Valley.

Vitré’s slow rhythm makes an enchanting detour for those looking to explore quiet corners of France.  

(Picture: Getty Images)

Another excellent choice only an hour from Rennes is Fougères, home to one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses, the Château de Fougères. 

This picturesque medieval town that even some French haven’t heard of was recently named the best place to live in France, taking the title from the glamorous French Riviera.

With no train connection, and some way from the coast, Fougères doesn’t attract anything near the summer crowds you get in resorts like Saint-Malo, where some locals rail against overtourism.

But what it lacks in reputation it more than makes up for with forests, greenery and waterways.

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