Rennes Cathedral

Cathedral in Rennes

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Fab5669

Rennes Cathedral, officially known as Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes, is one of the city’s most imposing and historically significant landmarks. Located in the heart of the old town, the cathedral has served as the spiritual centre of Rennes for centuries. The present structure, however, is the result of a long and complex history. Originally a Romanesque church, it underwent several phases of rebuilding, particularly from the 16th to the 19th centuries, following structural collapses and changes in architectural taste. The façade, completed in 1704, is strikingly neoclassical in style—an unusual choice for a cathedral in Brittany—and gives the building its unique appearance within the Gothic-dominated landscape of French ecclesiastical architecture.

Inside, the cathedral reveals its full grandeur. The nave is wide and luminous, supported by massive granite columns and crowned by a coffered ceiling painted with vivid religious scenes. The choir area is equally impressive, with a high altar made of white marble and framed by Corinthian pillars. Among its many treasures are a 16th-century organ, exquisite stained glass windows, and an elaborate episcopal throne. For centuries, Rennes Cathedral was the site of important ceremonies, including the coronations of the Dukes of Brittany, cementing its status as both a religious and political centre in the region.

Today, the cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a key cultural and historical site. Restoration efforts over the years have preserved its architectural richness and allowed visitors to appreciate its layered history. Whether attending a service, listening to a choral concert, or simply admiring the fusion of classical and Gothic influences, visitors to Rennes Cathedral are struck by its calm majesty and the sense of continuity it brings to a city that has seen centuries of transformation.

The Rennes Cathedral appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Rennes!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!