Something that I need to tell you as it is one of our past times here in my belle France and lovely Bretagne. We go around a lot here by car and walks in town and never cease to amaze me the diversity on how one can spent a day. This was no different in our finds in Cesson-Sévigné, in Ille et Vilaine dept 35 just outside the City of Rennes, I will update this older post with new text , new info using the older pictures, Hope you enjoy the post as I
I came to the town of Cesson-Sévigné searching for fresh local produce away from supermarket industrial kind which yes matilda exist in France too. My dear late wife Martine found it and we came to try it. It was very good but too far to do groceries about 1h30 from home. We stop coming for a while and today decided to give it a run in combination with some walks in beautiful Rennes. We went in Rennes by the Place du Champs to réveille at the wonderful statue of Jean Leperdit and the wooden houses all around it. Continue to the Marché des Lices vibrant pack as always, and took another turn at the Basilica Notre Dame de Bonne Nouvelle. There was in addition to the market traffic , heavy construction renovation all over including our favorite rue de Saint Malo, completely broken up for renovation. (see posts). Why a bit on Rennes because Cesson-Sévigné is next to it…
Let me tell you a bit on Cesson-Sévigné. It is contiguous to Rennes, criss cross by the Vilaine river, the city remained mostly rural. The town is located on the eastern edge of the city of Rennes and is surrounded by the eastern ring road. Because of this urban continuity with Rennes, Cesson-Sévigné became the sixth city of dept 35 Ille-et-Vilaine, behind Rennes, Saint-Malo, Fougères, Vitré and Bruz. Cesson-Sévigné is mainly served by buses from the public transport service network of the Rennes metropolitan area (STAR) of Rennes Metropole, therefore, very well serve. There is a train station here on the TGV line Paris-Montparnasse to Brest (was mine too). It is served by regional express trains of the TER Bretagne network, running between Rennes and Vitré. We of course, come by car. We came over to the City for the shopping at Grand Frais once in a while as it is 1h30 from home. We go along the Rennes rocade sud on the N136 to exit/sortie 1 Porte de la Rigoudiere, the store is on next traffic circle next to a Brico Depot store and the Ford Cesson Sevigne dealer.
A bit on the Grand Frais or big fresh story , They are a supermarket brand, founded on May 1, 1992 , and specializing in fresh produce and groceries around the world. In a covered hall, the Grand Frais stores present five offerings in one place: fruits and vegetables, grocery stores around the world, butchers, fishmongers and creamery/cheeses. Butchery and creamery are usually run by local professionals. A partnership has developed with the Despi group for the butchery and with the Marie Blachère group for the bakery. verage area of 1,000 square sq metres in 40 departments of France. In May 2019 , Grand Frais, had 222 stores, of about 1000 m2 and in 40 departments in France, Also in Messancy, Belgium. And hold on, they just open in Vannes my capital City !! stay tune for that, The official Grand Frais supermarkets: http://The official Grand Frais of Cesson-Sévigné
One of the main reason to come here other than the fresh produce is the butcher shop , unique. This is a bit of their story. The butchery was founded in 1933 at Saint Etienne (42), They will then be the forerunners of the concept of the Halles or market such as Grand Frais (big fresh). It was in 2003 that the Despi Butchery was created.Today the Despi Group is 300 stores: 30 butcher shops of semi-proximity name boucherie Despi; 110 Grand Frais (of which the butcheries are inside) ; 160 ED and DIA inexpensive grocery chains; and a 20,000 m2 production platform. The official Despi group webpage: https://www.despi-le-boucher.com/grand-frais-cesson-sevigne/point-relais-61069.html
Marie Blachère is a traditional bakery brand with production on site throughout the day. The concept was created in 2004. More on their official webpage: https://www.marieblachere.com/lentreprise/
While doing all this and hungry we found next door to Grand Frais the known and tested Buffalo Grill steakhouse which as usual are open all the time ! No need for reservation or finding them close at midday ! Food ok for the price and hours, and a cheerful staff will receive you with spectacular service ,always a pleasure. Below pics me and my Dad. The official Buffalo Grill of Cesson-Sévigné webpage: https://www.buffalo-grill.fr/restaurant/cesson-sevigne
There you go folks a dandy new spot in nice Cesson-Sévigné just outside the hustle of the city of Rennes. Hope you enjoy the post as I. And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 
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