Self-Guided Walking Tour of Rennes (2025)

The Couvent des Jacobins, once a Dominican monastery founded in the 14th century, now stands as one of Rennes’ most impressive examples of adaptive reuse. Originally built to house a religious order, it played a central role in the city’s spiritual and scholarly life. Over the centuries, it was expanded with a large cloister, refectory, and church. The convent was later suppressed during the French Revolution and repurposed for military and administrative use.

In recent years, the site underwent a remarkable transformation into the Rennes Convention Centre. Reopened in 2018, the new complex preserves the Gothic architecture of the original buildings while adding modern amenities and event spaces. The blending of historical stonework with contemporary design has made it a landmark of modern Rennes. Today, the Couvent des Jacobins is a vibrant venue for cultural and business gatherings, breathing new life into a once-sacred space.

Its location near Place Sainte-Anne makes it an ideal stop along a walking tour. The convent’s architecture, both preserved and reimagined, offers insight into Rennes’ capacity to honour the past while shaping the future. As you walk through its cloisters or admire the exterior from the square, you experience centuries of Breton history brought into the present.

Place Sainte-Anne is a lively and historic square that has evolved over centuries, reflecting the changing character of Rennes. Once part of a medieval suburb outside the city’s original fortifications, the area later became integrated into the growing urban core. Today, it’s a popular gathering place for locals, students, and visitors thanks to its central location and wealth of surrounding cafés.

Architecturally, the square offers a picturesque mix of old and new. Timber-framed houses, some dating back to the 16th century, stand alongside more modern structures. The square is anchored by two important buildings: the Couvent des Jacobins and the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle. The addition of the Sainte-Anne metro station has made it a key transit point, keeping the square lively throughout the day and into the evening.

During your walking tour, Place Sainte-Anne offers a perfect moment to rest and observe Rennes in motion. The mix of casual energy and historical depth makes it one of the city’s most endearing public spaces. Whether you’re sipping coffee or taking in the surrounding facades, the square offers an authentic taste of everyday life in Rennes.

Place Rallier du Baty is one of the most atmospheric squares in Rennes, offering a vivid blend of medieval charm and modern-day liveliness. Surrounded by 16th- and 17th-century half-timbered houses, the square showcases the architectural heritage that defines much of the old town. It’s a popular spot for cafés and restaurants, making it a natural pause point on a walking tour—whether for a coffee break or simply to admire the surroundings. The square is named after Toussaint-François Rallier du Baty, a former mayor of Rennes who oversaw significant reconstruction efforts after the devastating Great Fire of 1720.

At the centre of the square stands “Chrysalide,” a poetic bronze sculpture and fountain by Sylvain Dubuisson, created in 1994. The work draws inspiration from the legend of Tristan and Iseult, a tale closely tied to Brittany’s cultural identity. Peer into the sculpture and you’ll see a misty embrace representing the doomed lovers, accompanied by lines from the legend inscribed in both text and Braille. This evocative piece connects Rennes to its Breton storytelling tradition, turning the square into a site not only of social gathering but also of myth and memory.

Marché des Lices is one of the largest and oldest markets in France, held every Saturday morning on the historic site of medieval tournament grounds. The word “Lices” refers to the lists, or barriers, that once enclosed jousting matches. In 1337, young Bertrand du Guesclin famously unhorsed twelve knights here. By the 17th century, the area had transformed into a commercial square. Wealthy families built fine residences nearby, some of which still stand today.

The market began officially in 1622 and evolved into a vibrant open-air and covered marketplace offering local produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood. In the 19th century, architect Jean-Baptiste Martenot added two covered halls—Les Halles Martenot—made of brick and metal, inspired by Paris’ Baltard Halls. The market is a sensory delight, with over 300 vendors offering seasonal fruits, fish, charcuterie, flowers, and Breton specialities like galette-saucisse. It attracts not only locals doing their weekly shopping but also chefs, foodies, and tourists drawn to its authentic and lively atmosphere. Musicians and street performers add to the ambiance, making it as much a cultural experience as a practical one.

Porte Mordelaise is the last surviving gate from Rennes’ medieval fortifications and served as the city’s main entrance for centuries. Built in the 15th century on earlier foundations, it features two round towers and a central arch with traces of a drawbridge mechanism still visible. The gate derives its name from the road that leads toward the nearby town of Mordelles. Historically, it held ceremonial significance: new Dukes of Brittany had to swear an oath here before officially entering the city.

It was both a defensive structure and a symbol of civic authority, with its towers once housing guards and its upper rooms used for administrative purposes. Though much of Rennes’ medieval wall has vanished, Porte Mordelaise has been preserved and restored, offering a window into the city’s fortified past. Today, the gate is a popular stop for walking tours and a favourite photo spot, especially when framed by the greenery surrounding it. Standing here, it’s easy to imagine the processions, proclamations, and daily life that once passed beneath its stone archway.

Rennes Cathedral, officially known as Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes, has been a focal point of religious life in the city for centuries. Though originally founded as a Romanesque church, the current structure is the result of several reconstructions, most notably in the 17th and 18th centuries. Its neoclassical façade, completed in 1704, sets it apart from many French cathedrals, exuding a sense of solemn grandeur with its paired towers and restrained elegance.

The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with a coffered ceiling, monumental granite columns, and a richly adorned choir area. Among its highlights are the ornate high altar, exquisite 19th-century stained glass windows, and the organ, one of the largest in the region. The cathedral also features an episcopal throne and several chapels that reflect the changing artistic and devotional tastes of different periods.

Rennes Cathedral continues to serve both as an active place of worship and a cultural monument. Its layered history, architectural evolution, and spiritual significance make it an essential stop for anyone interested in the religious and historical identity of Rennes. Visitors can attend services, concerts, or simply enjoy the quiet majesty of the space.

The Saint-Yves Chapel is a gem of late Gothic architecture tucked away in the historic heart of Rennes. Built in 1494, it originally served as the chapel of the Saint-Yves Hospital, which had been established in the 14th century to care for the city’s poor and sick. Its flamboyant Gothic façade is decorated with detailed stone carvings—faces, animals, and fantastical creatures—that bring a touch of whimsy to the building’s solemn religious past.

After falling into disuse and being repurposed for various commercial activities over the centuries, the chapel was acquired by the city of Rennes in the 1980s. Following a careful restoration, it reopened in 1998 and now serves as a cultural space and the home of the Rennes Métropole Tourist Office. Inside, visitors can enjoy exhibitions about the city’s history, architecture, and notable figures.

The chapel’s artistic heritage continues through its modern stained-glass windows by artist Gérard Lardeur, adding a contemporary layer to its medieval foundations. Today, the Saint-Yves Chapel stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving and reimagining its historic spaces. Whether you’re stepping inside to admire its design or gathering information for the rest of your tour, it’s an essential stop that blends beauty, history, and purpose.

Place de la Mairie is one of the most emblematic squares in Rennes and a natural starting point for exploring the city. Located at the heart of the historic centre, it captures the classical elegance of 18th-century urban design. The square emerged from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1720, which destroyed much of the city north of the Vilaine. Architect Jacques Gabriel was commissioned to rebuild, favouring symmetry and open space.

The Town Hall itself, completed in the 1730s, dominates the square with its Baroque curves and Louis XV-style façade. It features two wings flanking a central clock tower. The right wing of the building houses the civil court, while the left contains the mayor’s office. The central alcove supports a belfry with an onion-shaped dome—a distinctive and elegant touch. Facing the Town Hall is the Rennes Opera House, a more recent addition from the 19th century. Its curved façade perfectly mirrors the opposite side, creating harmony in the space.

The square has long served as a focal point for public events, celebrations, and civic gatherings. It remains a dynamic cultural hub to this day. On sunny days, locals and tourists alike relax on the steps or gather at the cafes and restaurants nearby to enjoy the square’s lively ambiance. Place de la Mairie stands as a symbol of Rennes’ resilience and its ability to reinvent itself while preserving a deep respect for its historical roots.

Rennes City Hall is a striking symbol of the city’s post-fire resilience and classical urban planning. After the devastating fire of 1720 destroyed much of the medieval northern quarter, royal architect Jacques Gabriel was tasked with rebuilding the area. Completed in the 1730s, the Hôtel de Ville features an elegant curved façade that harmoniously unites the clock tower with its two flanking wings, housing the civil court on one side and the mayor’s offices on the other.

The architecture reflects the taste and political ideals of the time—balance, order, and grandeur—hallmarks of Louis XV-era design. The central clock tower is topped with an onion dome and adorned with a belfry that remains one of Rennes’ most recognisable landmarks. Facing the Town Hall is the Rennes Opera House, and together the two buildings form one of the most refined neoclassical ensembles in Brittany.

City Hall continues to serve as the seat of Rennes’ local government and is frequently the site of public ceremonies and cultural events. Its central location and architectural elegance make it a key stop on any walking tour, offering not only aesthetic appeal but also a strong sense of civic identity.

The Palace of Commerce (Palais du Commerce) is a striking example of late 19th-century architecture in Rennes, occupying a commanding position on Place de la République. Designed by Jean-Baptiste Martenot and Emmanuel Le Ray, the building was constructed between 1885 and 1929. It originally housed the city’s post office, the School of Fine Arts, and the public library, symbolising Rennes’ civic and cultural ambitions during the Third Republic.

The palace’s façade is a classic example of Beaux-Arts design, with symmetrical stonework, arched windows, and a central clock above the main entrance. The interior once featured grand public spaces that echoed the opulence of its exterior. The Passage de la Légion-d’Honneur, running through the building, provides a pedestrian link between different parts of the city and enhances its accessibility.

Today, the Palace of Commerce remains a functional part of Rennes’ civic landscape, accommodating a mix of commercial and administrative spaces. Recent redevelopment plans aim to revitalise the structure while preserving its historic elements. For visitors, it serves as a visual landmark and a bridge between the city’s administrative past and its contemporary urban life.

Place de la Parcheminerie is a small yet atmospheric square tucked into the heart of Rennes’ medieval quarter. Its name recalls the parchment vendors and leather workers who once operated here during the 17th and 18th centuries, giving the area a strong artisanal identity. Today, the square retains that sense of craftsmanship through its preserved architecture and the Théâtre de la Parcheminerie—a small theatre created in a former tannery, which now hosts local productions and performances that reflect the city’s cultural energy.

Recent renovations have transformed the square into a more pedestrian-friendly and welcoming environment. Completed in 2023 as part of Rennes’ ongoing urban development efforts, the redesign replaced parking spaces with landscaped zones, increasing green space and accessibility. Stone pathways, shade trees, and planted beds now create a calm, intimate space that invites passersby to pause. It’s a quiet yet vibrant spot that connects the city’s artisan past with its sustainable urban future.

Place Honoré Commeurec is a lively and historically significant square in central Rennes, named after a local resistance hero and printer who was active during World War II. Formerly known as Place de la Halle-aux-Blés, it was renamed in 1949 in his honour, marking the city’s appreciation for civic courage and remembrance. The square is best known today for hosting the Halles Centrales, Rennes’ covered market hall designed by Emmanuel Le Ray in the early 20th century.

Alongside the bustling market, the square is also home to La Criée Centre for Contemporary Art, located in the former fish market. Opened in 1986, it now serves as a vibrant cultural hub, offering exhibitions, residencies, and events that highlight the city’s dedication to modern art. Place Honoré Commeurec thus bridges Rennes’ culinary, artistic, and historical life—making it a compelling and varied stop on any walking tour of the city.

The Museum of Fine Arts of Rennes (Musée des Beaux-Arts) is one of the city’s cultural highlights, housing an exceptional collection of art from antiquity to the modern era. Founded in 1794, its initial collection was built around works seized during the Revolution and those donated by Christophe-Paul de Robien, a local magistrate and avid collector.

The museum’s holdings span ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artefacts, as well as an impressive selection of European paintings. Highlights include works by Rubens, Veronese, Georges de La Tour, and Picasso. Its drawing collection is particularly remarkable, featuring pieces by Michelangelo, Dürer, and Rembrandt.

Located on Quai Émile Zola, the museum continues to expand its role through rotating exhibitions and cultural events. Whether you’re a devoted art lover or a curious visitor, the Musée des Beaux-Arts offers a rewarding experience that enriches any exploration of Rennes.

The Palais du Parlement de Bretagne is one of Rennes’ most iconic and historically rich buildings, representing the judicial power of Brittany under the Ancien Régime. Built between 1618 and 1655, it was designed by Salomon de Brosse, who also contributed to the Luxembourg Palace in Paris. Its façade is a blend of classical and regional styles. The palace served as the seat of the sovereign court for Brittany, settling major legal cases and asserting regional autonomy in a centralised monarchy.

The Grand Chamber is particularly renowned for its lavish decor, with gilded woodwork, painted ceilings, and portraits that reflect the power and prestige of the institution. The building played a pivotal role in Breton identity and politics until the Revolution, when the regional parlements were abolished in 1790. In 1994, the building was severely damaged by fire during a protest. Its painstaking restoration has since returned it to its former grandeur. Today, it houses the Rennes Court of Appeal and serves as both a functioning legal institution and a historic monument open to the public. The Parlement stands as a proud emblem of Brittany’s legal heritage and architectural refinement.

The Saint George Palace (Palais Saint-Georges) is a striking architectural landmark in Rennes with deep historical roots. Originally established in 1032 as a Benedictine abbey by Duke Alain III of Brittany for his sister Adèle, the site was transformed in the 17th century under Abbess Magdelaine de la Fayette. Architect Pierre Corbineau redesigned the building in 1670, giving it the appearance we see today.

The façade is remarkable for its 19 arches and the distinctive inscription of the abbess’s name in wrought iron above the central arcade. The roof features dormer windows and a central pediment adorned with a stone cross and the arms of the abbey. Despite its religious origins, the palace underwent major functional changes following the French Revolution.

In the 20th century, after a fire in 1921, the palace was restored and repurposed for municipal uses. Today, it houses administrative offices and overlooks the Saint George Garden, a beautifully manicured public park. The site offers a peaceful retreat just steps from the city centre and remains a cherished element of Rennes’ heritage.