Fête de la Paresse

A festival born in 1987 in rue Saint-Malo

The Fête de la Paresse was created in 1987 by the owner of the bar La Bernique hurlante, located on rue Saint-Malo in Rennes. Conceived as a snub to May 1st and the traditional Labor Day, it instead proposes to celebrate idleness, nonchalance, and the art of taking one's time. Since its creation, it has become one of the emblematic events of the Rennes spring and a marker of the festive identity of rue Saint-Malo.

Rue Saint-Malo 100% pedestrian

For the occasion, rue de Saint-Malo — between Place Sainte-Anne and rue Legraverend — is entirely closed to traffic and secured. Merchants, restaurateurs, and bars set up stalls, terraces, stages, and play areas in the street, welcoming a family audience who come to have a drink, eat a galette-saucisse, listen to concerts, and enjoy the urban 'guinguette' atmosphere.

Program and entertainment

The musical program traditionally features groups from the Rennes scene — rock, punk, electro, festive songs — spread across several stages set up in front of partner bars and restaurants. This program is complemented by a roaming brass band, children's games, and a family audience. On the food side, about twenty establishments offer Lebanese, Ethiopian, Creole, Asian, seafood, and Breton specialties, in the cosmopolitan spirit characteristic of the street.

The organizing association

The festival is organized by the Association des commerçants de la rue de Saint-Malo, which brings together about thirty bars, restaurants, and shops. The association is notably led by Sophie (Black Bear), Sébastien Blot (Café des Jacobins), Bruno (La Trinquette / Mondo Bizarro), Thierry (Bar de la Plage), and several other local merchants.

A free and popular event

Admission is free. The Fête de la Paresse gathers between 6,000 and 9,000 visitors each year, and is one of the highlights of the Rennes spring.