Noted for its Medieval half-timbered houses, Rennes, France, located at the junction of the Ille and Velaine Rivers, serves as the capital city of the Provence of Brittany.
The city’s name derives from “Redones,” a Celtic tribe that established its chief township here in the second century B.C. At that time, the township was called “ Condate” ( a Celtic term that meant “confluence” since the town was established at the junction of the two rivers mentioned above). This whole region was known as the ancient “Duchy of Brittany “ (a Medieval feudal State).
During the third century A.D., the Romans had occupied the region and turned the town into a fortified compound, with strong walls around it to fend off invasion. The town’s strategic position established it as an important communication center for western Gaul. The Romans renamed it “Amorica”” ( meaning “on the sea”). After the Romans left , the Dukes of Brittany ruled the area as an independent region, until 1528, when it became part of France.
Between 1615 and 1655, Rennes’ parliament building was constructed by Solomon de Brosse, the same architect who created the Palace of Luxembourg in Paris. A huge fire in 1720 greatly damaged most of the town. It took years to rebuild. At the time of the French Revolution, Rennes had become the headquarters for the Republican Army in its fight with the “Vendeens” (royalist insurgents). In 1899, the retrial (on charges of espionage) of Captain Alfred Dreyfus took place here. His case was unsuccessfully championed by the writer, Emile Zola.
As World War II waged on, much of the city was again destroyed, this time by Allied bombing raids. Rennes’ Cathedral (which had been built in 1844) had two of its towers ( belonging to an earlier structure) destroyed.
Today, many tourists visit Rennes to see its storied half-timbered houses, as well as its famous weekend farmers market (one of France’s largest)in Marche des Lices.(originally, this was the location for one of Rennes’ largest factories). Now-a-days, the city is also noted for its research in the biotech and medical fields.
The city’s name derives from “Redones,” a Celtic tribe that established its chief township here in the second century B.C. At that time, the township was called “ Condate” ( a Celtic term that meant “confluence” since the town was established at the junction of the two rivers mentioned above). This whole region was known as the ancient “Duchy of Brittany “ (a Medieval feudal State).
During the third century A.D., the Romans had occupied the region and turned the town into a fortified compound, with strong walls around it to fend off invasion. The town’s strategic position established it as an important communication center for western Gaul. The Romans renamed it “Amorica”” ( meaning “on the sea”). After the Romans left , the Dukes of Brittany ruled the area as an independent region, until 1528, when it became part of France.
Between 1615 and 1655, Rennes’ parliament building was constructed by Solomon de Brosse, the same architect who created the Palace of Luxembourg in Paris. A huge fire in 1720 greatly damaged most of the town. It took years to rebuild. At the time of the French Revolution, Rennes had become the headquarters for the Republican Army in its fight with the “Vendeens” (royalist insurgents). In 1899, the retrial (on charges of espionage) of Captain Alfred Dreyfus took place here. His case was unsuccessfully championed by the writer, Emile Zola.
As World War II waged on, much of the city was again destroyed, this time by Allied bombing raids. Rennes’ Cathedral (which had been built in 1844) had two of its towers ( belonging to an earlier structure) destroyed.
Today, many tourists visit Rennes to see its storied half-timbered houses, as well as its famous weekend farmers market (one of France’s largest)in Marche des Lices.(originally, this was the location for one of Rennes’ largest factories). Now-a-days, the city is also noted for its research in the biotech and medical fields.
Situated where the rivers Ille and Velaine meet, Rennes, France has been known by several names - i.e. “Redones,” “Condate,” and “Amorica”.
Its most distinctive features are its Medieval half-timbered homes. We found them delightful to look at.
When the Romans occupied this region in the third century A.D., they fortified the city with a surrounding stone wall.
Rennes’ City Hall was built in 1733 by architect Jacques Gabriel. The plaza on which it stands is officially known as Place de la Mairie.
Located on the opposite side of the plaza from City Hall, the Rennes Opera House, opened in 1833, is considered to be one of France’s smallest.
First opened as a market in 1483, the Marche des Lices did not become a regular weekend feature until 1622.
This location was originally outside the city walls at the Mordelaise Gate., at the convergence of several of the city’s trade routes.
Over three hundred venders ply their wares here every weekend and the market boasts that at least 10,000 visitors show up each time.
An 1892 archival photo of the market. For over 500 years, this Square has played host to many events ( in addition to its market), such as jousts tournaments, public executions, etc.
Like most urban areas, Rennes values it green spaces, like this Parc de Thabor, considered one of France’s most beautiful.
Thabor Park was the former gardens of the monks of Saint-Melaine Benedictine Abbey. It was named after Mt. Tabor in Galilee..
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