PARLIAMENT BUILDING OF BRITTANY

The most emblematic monument in Rennes, the Parliament of Brittany has a history that has spanned the ages. The first stone of the building was laid in the early 17th century, under the orders of the architect Gaultier. But it took time and several architects, including the famous Salomon de Brosse, architect of the Luxembourg Palace, to give us the current Parliament. Gabriel, the king's architect, called in to rebuild the heart of the city after the fire of 1720, gave it a royal square worthy of its architecture. He removed the grand staircase leading to the terrace, which he also made disappear. In February 1994, a demonstration got out of hand and a spectacular fire set the building ablaze, largely destroying this heritage jewel. After five years of renovation, the building reopened its doors and once again hosts the courts of appeal and assizes. The Parliament of Brittany is the fifth largest court of appeal in France. This majestic building is also open to visitors through guided tours led by the guides of the city of Rennes, following the signing of an agreement between the Tourist Office and the Ministry of Justice. You can admire the Salle des Gros Piliers on the ground floor, the Salle des Pas Perdus (former Prosecutors' Room) with its wooden ceiling decorated with mouldings and medallions, carved and gilded woodwork, Gobelins tapestries, French ceilings, a courtroom, allegorical paintings and the superb Grand Chamber, which was spared by the fire. Charles Errard and Noël Coypel created the incredible ceilings of this room with sculpted coffers, which is considered one of the major works of Charles Errard, who was also the painter of Louis XIV. The allegories of Justice, Religion and other virtues are represented. In front of the monument, you can still see an old rail that testifies to the passage of the tramway at this place between the end of the 19th century and the middle of the 20th century. During the summer, as soon as night falls, a superb sound and light show, much appreciated by the people of Rennes, animates the façade of this emblematic building. In winter, the Place du Parlement hosts a gourmet Christmas market and a cheerfully decorated tree. The rest of the year, it is a meeting place where it is good to stroll and relax, surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants.