Are you looking to explore the history of Rennes through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Rennes including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Rennes. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Rennes ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Rennes, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Rennes for a great trip!
Top Historical Places in Rennes
Let's witness the history of Rennes with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:
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This was the court of Justice during France’s old regime. Today, you’ll only find the last building of the parliament still standing; it houses the court of justice. The interior décor is very royal, Parisian, and 17th century. The gilded wood panelling is superb. Then Grand Chamber, with its French style ceilings, is exquisite. It’s a beautiful, beautiful palace. -
In 1720, a fire raged through Rennes and burnt most of the old city down. There are still some of the really old buildings around though. You’ll find random groups of half-timbered houses around Place Ste-Anne. On Saturday mornings you can visit Place des Lices for one of the region’s biggest weekly markets (did you know they once held jousting competitions here)? Check out Port Mor...Read more -
Cathedrale Saint-pierre De Rennes
(480 Votes)
This lovely neo-classical 19th century Roman Catholic Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Rennes. It’s not the first building on the site – the first cathedral here was built in the 6th century. From the outside, it looks sombre and granite. It’s when you step in though, that the sheer sumptuous decorations blow you mind – rare marble, and gilt, and stucco, and pa...Read more -
La Roche-aux-fees
(382 Votes)
Rennes may not have the same megalithic richness that central and western Brittany are renowned for, but this Dolmen holds it own reputation. It is basically a 20 metre long passage of purple-hued stone. The stone was mined from Theil-de-Bretagne, only a few miles away, 5000 years ago! They’re call the Rock of the Fairies, because it’s believed that only fairy magic could have moved...Read more -
Eglise Saint-germain De Rennes
(290 Votes)
Rennes’ parish church was built between the 15th and 17th centuries, though a church has stood here since the 12th century. Construction began in Gothic style and then slowly developed Renaissance influences. Though not striking to look at, the church has an unusual plan. The Renaissance south port is very beautiful. The stained glass of this church is the oldest in Rennes. Check out the ...Read more -
Rennes Cathedral is a historical monument and a Roman Catholic Church which was established in 1906. Earlier, the place was used as a church, but in 12th century it got fully transformed into a Gothic Cathedral. The church was designed in Neoclassical architectural style and was designed by Mathurin Crucy and Louis Richelot. It took several years to finish the construction. To make it a famous ...Read more