Ille et Vilaine is the most easterly and most inland department in Brittany, although it has a considerable stretch of coastline to the north. Inland, the countryside is often hilly and forested, while the coast is a diverse mixture of rocky headlands, sandunes and marshes. The departmental capital is the city of Rennes but the towns on St Malo and Dinard (on the coast), Redon and the ancient city of Fougeres are also well known.
Ille et Vilaine is predominantly gite country, abounding with lovely old stone cottages and houses (sometimes thatched), built of warm Breton stone. Rural Farmhouses, converted barns and farm buildings are also common, providing cozy places to stay.