Things to Do in Rennes: The Historic Center in 6 Steps

A 14th-century building turned convention center: the Jacobins Convent is one of Rennes' great contrasts.

• Founded by the Dominicans in 1369
• Houses the tourist office, at 1 rue Saint-Malo
• Pinault Collection exhibition every two years
• One thousand burials exhumed between 2011 and 2013

Founded on February 2, 1369, by the Dominicans in the presence of the Duke of Brittany, the convent played a major spiritual and political role from the Middle Ages onward. The preaching friars lived as close as possible to the residents. A painting of the Virgin, Notre-Dame de Bonne-Nouvelle, has attracted pilgrims since the 16th century. On November 17, 1491, the peace treaty between Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII was reportedly signed here. Today, the Jacobins Convent houses a 21st-century convention center. The tourist office occupies part of the building, with the entrance at 1 rue Saint-Malo. Every two years, a major contemporary art exhibition from the Pinault Collection is held here, along with concerts and public fairs. Excavations carried out between 2011 and 2013 uncovered nearly a thousand burials, including that of Louise de Quengo, a 17th-century Breton noblewoman found in an exceptionally well-preserved lead coffin. Guided tours are scheduled during school holidays and European Heritage Days.

Saint-Pierre Cathedral is located on the square of the same name, in the heart of the historic center.

• Main Catholic place of worship in the city
• Remarkable high altar, great organ, and vaults
• Coronations of the Dukes and Duchesses of Brittany
• Open every day from 9:30 AM to 12 PM and from 3 PM to 6 PM

The first stones date from the 16th century, but construction spanned several centuries. The style blends Gothic and Neoclassical elements. Fires have marked the monument's history, especially the one in 1720. The classical facade remains sober, framed by two massive towers. Inside, large vaults and Corinthian columns create an impression of light and space. The Roman high altar, the monumental great organ, and the 17th and 18th-century paintings and sculptures are worth looking up for. This is where the coronations of the Dukes and Duchesses of Brittany took place, making the cathedral a central location in the history of Brittany and France. It is open every day from 9:30 AM to 12 PM and from 3 PM to 6 PM.

A monumental gate remains from the ramparts, and it alone tells the story of the city.

• Two machicolated granite towers
• Former main entrance to the fortified city
• Nicknamed the 'Royal Gate'
• 'Porte Marat' prison in 1793

This building, reconstructed in the 15th century, is recognizable by its two symmetrical towers topped with machicolations. It was the main entrance to the fortified city, featuring a double drawbridge, a portcullis, and a barbican. The name 'Mordelaises' comes from the road that led to Mordelles, an important town west of Rennes. It was also called the 'Royal Gate' because the Dukes and Duchesses of Brittany would swear an oath to defend Brittany's liberties here before going to be crowned at Saint-Pierre Cathedral. In 1793, during the French Revolution, the towers served as a prison. They were then nicknamed 'Porte Marat.' The Revolution turned it into a prison, the Ancien Régime into a ceremonial gate: two histories can be read in these stones.

On Saturday mornings, the whole city seems to converge on Place des Lices.

• Market every Saturday since 1622
• Bertrand Du Guesclin's first combat in 1337
• Martenot Halls in Baltard style, 1869
• Galette-saucisse to enjoy on-site

In the Middle Ages, this was an enclosed field where knights faced off in tournaments. The name of the square comes from the 'lice' (lists), the barrier that separated the two riders. Tradition has it that Bertrand Du Guesclin fought his first battle here in 1337. Later, the square was also used for public executions: the current clock stands on the site of the former gallows. Since 1622, the Lices market has been held here every Saturday. It has become one of the largest markets in France. To the north, grand 17th-century townhouses made of half-timbering or stone border the square. To the south, the two metallic halls designed by Jean-Baptiste Martenot in 1869, in the Baltard style, frame the stalls. Every Saturday, from the early hours, vendors set up their goods. The visit almost always ends with a galette-saucisse, the local specialty to be enjoyed on the go.

Few monuments summarize the history of Brittany as much as the Parliament Palace.

• Built between 1618 and 1655
• 1994 fire followed by exemplary restoration
• Grand' Chambre and the 'Salle des Pas Perdus'
• 90-minute guided tour starting at €6.50

The palace was built between 1618 and 1655 based on the plans of Salomon de Brosse, in a very elegant classical style. Its facade is richly decorated with columns and sculpted pediments. The building housed the sovereign court of the Parliament, which made the most important judicial decisions for Brittany. As a symbol of judicial power, it dominates the square that bears its name. Spared by the great fire of 1720, the palace burned in 1994. Its restoration preserved the original woodwork, paintings, and gilding. Inside, the Grand' Chambre is the jewel of the decor, with its French-style ceilings, sculpted woodwork, and allegorical canvases. The large 'Salle des Pas Perdus' (Hall of Lost Footsteps) impresses with its high ceilings and murals. Guided tours of 90 minutes are available starting at €6.50.

After the stones and cobblestones, Thabor Park offers ten hectares of greenery right in the center.

• 10 hectares in the heart of Rennes
• Rose garden with over 2,000 varieties
• Botanical garden with over 3,000 species
• Open all year, hours according to season

This 10-hectare park was originally a monks' garden: those from the Saint-Melaine Benedictine abbey cultivated orchards and vegetable gardens here. It was landscaped between 1866 and 1868 by the landscape architect brothers Denis and Eugène Bühler. The name Thabor comes from the biblical mountain overlooking the Sea of Galilee. The park combines a French-style garden, an English-style park in its romantic section, a grotto called 'L'Enfer,' a bandstand, and an aviary. The rose garden has over 2,000 varieties, and the botanical garden has over 3,000 species spread across eleven circular beds. The entire site, classified as a 'prestige garden,' is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in France. The park is open all year round, with hours that change according to the seasons.