Officially known as “Place de la Mairie,” City Hall Plaza is located in the center of Rennes, almost on the banks of the river Vilaine. After the Great fire of 1720 had devastated most of the town, City Hall was built, between 1734 and 1743. This three-story complex actually consists of two classical buildings - (1) the Rennes Presidial (the judicial courts of France) and (2) the offices of the Mayor and most of the administrative services, including the Department of Law).- connected by a quarter set-back circle, which plays host to the Clock Tower.
Architect to the King, Jacques Gabriel, was inspired to join these structures into a single building by the works of other great architects, e.g. Le Vau and Hardouin-Monsart. In the original design , the niche under the clock tower housed a statue of King Louis XV. This was destroyed during the French Revolution 1789). From 1793 until, at least 1799, a guillotine was situated on the Plaza in front of City Hall for public executions.
In 1963, the City Hall complex was designated a historical monument, protected by the government.
Architect to the King, Jacques Gabriel, was inspired to join these structures into a single building by the works of other great architects, e.g. Le Vau and Hardouin-Monsart. In the original design , the niche under the clock tower housed a statue of King Louis XV. This was destroyed during the French Revolution 1789). From 1793 until, at least 1799, a guillotine was situated on the Plaza in front of City Hall for public executions.
In 1963, the City Hall complex was designated a historical monument, protected by the government.
Built in a nine year period, beginning in 1734, Rennes’ City Hall combined two classical buildings , with a central clock tower, into a single structure.
When it was originally constructed, the niche below the clock tower contained a statue of King Louis XV. However, during the French Revolution, this statue was destroyed at the height of the anti-monarchy fervor.
Some of the exquisite workmanship that went into the construction of this edifice can be seen in the massive main doors.
Jacque Gabriel, architect to the king, was inspired to create this building by the works of fellow architects, La Vau and Hardouin-Monsart
We saw a number of superb ( and well preserved) tapestries hanging throughout City Hall.
Le Grand Salon has been used for large scale municipal meetings - such as when representatives from all over Brittany met here in 1788 to discuss “... financial equality throughout the province.”
For smaller gatherings, Le Petite Salon was used.
Noted features in Le Petite Salon are the portraits of Rallier du Baty, mayor of Rennes from 1696 until 1734...
... and Jean Leperdit, Rennes’ mayor from 1794 until 1795.
Other delightful features displayed in the building were this magnificent stained glass window...
...and this exquisite clock.
Also within the complex is this small room dedicated to those French citizens who died during the “Great War” (1914- 1918).
This plague discribes the dedication...
...along with all the names of those who died.
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