Rennes history

The history of Rennes, the capital of the French region of Brittany, is rooted in ancient times. The city has come a long way from a small Gaulish settlement to a significant political and cultural centre.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded by the Celtic tribe of the Redones in the 2nd century BC. It was originally called Condate, which meant "confluence of rivers" in the Celtic language, as the settlement was located at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers. After the Roman conquest, the city received the name Condate Riedonum and became the administrative centre of this territory. From the 4th century, Rennes became the centre of a diocese, highlighting its growing importance.

Key Factors of Development

Several key factors contributed to the city's development:

• Geographical Location: Rennes was situated at the intersection of important trade routes of the ancient region of Armorica, which facilitated its economic growth.
• Political Status: In the Middle Ages, Rennes contested the title of capital of Brittany with Nantes. Eventually, it became the capital of the Duchy of Brittany, and after the region was annexed to France in 1532, the Breton Parliament was established here, strengthening its administrative influence.
• Defensive Significance: The city was surrounded by powerful fortress walls, parts of which have survived to this day. Its ability to withstand sieges, such as during the war with France in 1491, proved its strategic importance.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Rennes was known for its distinctive architecture. In the old centre, one can still see picturesque timber-framed houses from the 15th-16th centuries. Despite a major fire in 1720, which destroyed most of the wooden structures, the city was rebuilt in stone and acquired a more monumental, classical appearance. The city's economy relied on trade and crafts, as well as its status as a capital, which attracted aristocracy and officials.

Key Dates in the History of Rennes

From an ancient settlement to a modern metropolis, the history of Rennes is filled with events that defined its unique appearance and status as the capital of Brittany.

• 2nd century BC — The Gaulish tribe of the Redones founds the settlement of Condate at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers.
• 3rd century AD — During the Roman Empire, the city, known as Condate Riedonum, is surrounded by powerful fortress walls for protection against barbarian raids.
• 4th century — Rennes becomes the centre of a diocese, emphasizing its growing religious and administrative importance in the region.
• 9th-10th centuries — The city becomes the centre of the County of Rennes, whose rulers struggle for the title of Dukes of Brittany.
• 1491 — Rennes withstands the siege of the French army of King Charles VIII, remaining the last stronghold of the independence of the Duchy of Brittany.
• 1532 — The Duchy of Brittany officially joins France, and Rennes becomes the seat of the regional parliament.
• 1655 — Construction of the Palace of the Parliament of Brittany is completed, becoming a symbol of the judicial and political power of the city.
• 1720 — A catastrophic fire destroys a large part of the medieval city with its timber-framed houses.
• After 1720 — The city is rebuilt according to a new plan by architect Jacques Gabriel, acquiring a classical look with straight streets and stone buildings.
• 1793-1794 — During the French Revolution, Rennes becomes an arena of clashes during the Vendée Revolt.
• 1857 — The railway arrives in Rennes, connecting it with Paris and boosting industrial development.
• 1940-1944 — During the Second World War, the city is subjected to bombings, resulting in the destruction of many buildings and the loss of civilian lives.
• 2002 — The first line of the automated metro (VAL) opens, making Rennes one of the smallest cities in the world with its own metro system.

Key Historical Stages: From Ducal Capital to Digital Leader

The history of Rennes is a tale of impressive transformations that turned it from a medieval capital into one of the most innovative cities in France. Key events did not just change its appearance but also defined the economic and cultural vector of development for centuries to come.

Rennes gaining the status of a capital after the annexation of Brittany to France in the 16th century consolidated its administrative power. The symbol of this was the majestic Parliament Palace, which attracted aristocracy to the city. However, the city's appearance changed radically after the catastrophic fire of 1720, which destroyed the medieval timber-framed quarters. Large-scale reconstruction under the leadership of the royal architect Jacques Gabriel gave Rennes its current elegant look with straight streets and harmonious stone facades in the classical style.

A new round of development began in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway in 1857. The connection with Paris accelerated industrialization and population growth, expanding the city beyond its historical walls. In the 20th century, Rennes established itself as one of the leading university centres in France. Today, more than 66,000 students study here, filling the city with youthful energy and creating a fertile environment for innovation.

The modern history of Rennes is inextricably linked with technological breakthroughs. The founding of the Rennes Atalante technology park in 1984 turned the city into a national leader in the field of telecommunications and digital technologies. Ambition and a drive for innovation were also evident in the launch of the automated metro (VAL) in 2002. Rennes became the smallest city in the world to implement such a project, confirming its reputation as a modern and technologically advanced centre.

The architectural appearance of Rennes is the visual history of the city, frozen in stone and wood. Here, medieval timber-framed houses sit alongside monumental structures of the classical era and bold modern buildings, creating a unique and harmonious urban environment.

Middle Ages and Renaissance: Timber-Framed Heritage

Despite the major fire of 1720, which destroyed much of the old city, entire quarters with picturesque medieval and Renaissance buildings have been preserved in Rennes. These buildings are easily recognized by their characteristic timber-framed construction — a wooden frame filled with clay or brick.

• Iconic Places: This heritage is best represented on the streets of Rue Saint-Michel, Rue du Chapitre, and at the square Place des Lices, where one of the largest markets in France is held on Saturdays.
• Architectural Details: Many houses are decorated with wood carvings and have overhanging upper floors, which was typical for the dense urban development of that time. An important monument of Gothic architecture is the Portes Mordelaises, the former ceremonial entrance to the city.

The Classical Era: Rebirth from Ashes

The fire of 1720 was a tragedy, but at the same time, it provided the impetus for a large-scale restructuring of the city. At the invitation of the King, the architect Jacques Gabriel was brought in to develop a new master plan for the burnt-out part of Rennes. The chaotic medieval development was replaced by strict and elegant classicism.

• New Look: Wide straight streets and majestic squares appeared, built up with buildings of light stone with harmonious facades.
• Key Structures: Symbols of this era became the Palace of the Parliament of Brittany (which survived the fire and became the reference point for the new plan), as well as the ensemble of the City Hall Square (Place de la Mairie), where the City Hall and the Opera House are located opposite each other.

19th-21st Centuries: From Industrialization to Modernism

With the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, the city began to grow actively, expanding beyond the historical walls. This era left its mark in the form of eclectic buildings, such as the monumental Palace of Commerce (Palais du Commerce) on the Place de la République. The 20th and 21st centuries added modern accents to the architectural palette of Rennes.

• Post-War Development: New residential areas and university campuses appeared.
• Modern Symbols: A striking example of modern architecture is the cultural centre Les Champs Libres, opened in 2006. This bold building of glass and concrete unites the Museum of Brittany, a science centre, and a library under one roof, symbolizing Rennes' aspiration towards the future.

Notable People Associated with Rennes

Over the centuries, Rennes has been the birthplace and place of activity for many iconic figures who left a mark on the history, politics, and culture of France.

Conan I (died 992)

Duke of Brittany and Count of Rennes. One of the key figures in the early medieval history of the region. It was Conan I, having consolidated his power, who made Rennes one of the main political capitals of Brittany. His rule laid the foundation for the city's centuries-old influence.

Jean Victor Moreau (1763–1813)

General of the First French Republic. Although born in Morlaix, his career began in Rennes, where he studied law. At the beginning of the French Revolution, Moreau led the local National Guard. Later, he became one of the most talented commanders of his time, gaining fame as the victor in the Battle of Hohenlinden.

Georges Boulanger (1837–1891)

General and politician. A native of Rennes, Boulanger became the Minister of War of France and the leader of an influential revanchist movement known as "Boulangism". In the late 19th century, his popularity was so great that he posed a serious threat to the Third Republic, entering history as "General Revanche".

Alfred Dreyfus (1859–1935)

Officer, central figure of the "Dreyfus Affair". Although Dreyfus was not a native of the city, Rennes became the arena for one of the most famous trials in the history of France. It was here in 1899 that the retrial of his case took place, attracting worldwide attention and becoming the culmination of a political crisis that split French society.

Charles Vanel (1892–1989)

Theatre and film actor. Born in Rennes, Charles Vanel is one of the most outstanding actors in the history of French cinema. His career spanned more than seven decades, during which he appeared in over 200 films, including the famous picture "The Wages of Fear".

François-Henri Pinault (born 1962)

Entrepreneur and philanthropist. A native of Rennes, Pinault is the chairman and CEO of the international luxury group Kering, which owns brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga. He is also known for his work in preserving cultural heritage, particularly financing the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral.