Couvent des Jacobins

Convent in Rennes

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Pymouss

The Jacobite Convent in Rennes, also known as the Couvent des Jacobins, is a former Dominican monastery that has found new life as a major cultural and convention centre. Founded in the 14th century by the Dominican Order—commonly referred to as Jacobins in France—the convent played an important religious and intellectual role in the city for centuries. Its location in the historic centre of Rennes, just a short walk from the Place Sainte-Anne, made it a central institution in the religious landscape of medieval and early modern Brittany.

The convent underwent multiple phases of construction and expansion from the 14th to the 18th centuries. It included a large cloister, a church, and several wings used for study, worship, and community life. Over the centuries, it welcomed many scholars and served as a place of education and spiritual guidance. However, like many religious institutions, the convent was suppressed during the French Revolution, and its buildings were repurposed for military and administrative use throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

In recent years, the Jacobite Convent has undergone an ambitious restoration and transformation. Reopened in 2018 as the Rennes Convention Centre, it now serves as a modern venue for conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events, while carefully preserving the site’s architectural heritage. The blend of Gothic stonework and sleek contemporary design creates a unique atmosphere, making it one of the most striking examples of adaptive reuse in Rennes. As both a historic monument and a place of innovation, the Jacobite Convent stands as a testament to Rennes’ ability to bridge its past and future with elegance and purpose.

The Couvent des Jacobins appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Rennes!

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