Place Rallier du Baty

Square in Rennes

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Luistxo

Place Rallier du Baty is a charming square nestled in the historic center of Rennes, offering a blend of medieval architecture and contemporary vibrancy. The square is renowned for its well-preserved half-timbered houses, some dating back to the 16th century, which showcase the city’s rich architectural heritage. These colorful façades provide a picturesque backdrop to the lively atmosphere, where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy the numerous cafés and restaurants that line the square.

Historically, the square holds significant importance. It was named after Toussaint-François Rallier du Baty, who served as the mayor of Rennes from 1695 to 1734, marking the longest mayoral tenure in the city’s history. During his time, he played a pivotal role in the reconstruction of Rennes following the devastating fire of 1720. Additionally, archaeological discoveries in the area have unearthed remnants of the city’s ancient fortifications, including sections of the 15th-century schist ramparts, offering a tangible connection to Rennes’ past.

Chrysalide

At the heart of Place Rallier du Baty in Rennes stands “Chrysalide,” a striking bronze sculpture and fountain created by French architect and designer Sylvain Dubuisson in 1994. More than just a contemporary art installation, this work is deeply rooted in one of the most enduring love stories of medieval legend—the tale of Tristan and Iseult. Shaped like a cocoon or chrysalis, the sculpture invites passersby to peer through its openings, where they discover a mist-veiled image of two lovers in embrace—an allusion to the fated passion of the legendary pair.

The story of Tristan and Iseult, a cornerstone of medieval romance, tells of a Cornish knight and an Irish princess bound together by a love potion, fated to fall in love despite their duties to others. Their story is one of forbidden desire, loyalty, betrayal, and ultimately, tragic destiny—a narrative that inspired countless poems, songs, and artworks across Europe. Dubuisson’s sculpture evokes this emotional intensity through form and atmosphere. The gentle mist enveloping the sculpture reflects the secrecy and mystery of the lovers’ bond, while the confined space hints at their entrapment by love and fate.

The legend has particular resonance in Brittany, where much of the story is believed to have taken place, and where its Celtic roots still echo in regional culture and identity. Rennes, as the historical capital of Brittany, shares in this cultural heritage. The inclusion of the Tristan and Iseult theme in a public artwork in one of the city’s central squares underscores the continuing influence of Breton myths and storytelling. “Chrysalide” becomes more than a fountain—it is a modern homage to Brittany’s literary past, transforming Place Rallier du Baty into a space where legend and urban life quietly converge.

The Place Rallier du Baty appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Rennes!

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