PARLIAMENT BUILDING OF BRITTANY

Rennes' most emblematic monument, the Parlement de Bretagne, has a history that spans 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 Palais du Luxembourg, to give us the present-day Parlement. Gabriel, the King's architect, was called in to rebuild the heart of the city after the fire of 1720, and gave it a royal square worthy of its architecture. He also eliminated the grand staircase leading to the terrace. In February 1994, a demonstration got out of hand and a spectacular fire engulfed the building, largely destroying this heritage jewel. After five years of renovation, the building reopened its doors, once again housing the Cour d'Appel and the Cour d'Assises. The Parlement de Bretagne is France's fifth-largest court of appeal. This majestic edifice is also open to visitors via guided tours led by the city of Rennes' guide-lecturers, following the signing of an agreement between the Tourist Office and the Ministry of Justice. Visitors can admire the Salle des Gros Piliers on the first floor, the Salle des Pas Perdus (formerly the Salle des Procureurs) with its wooden ceiling adorned with moldings and medallions, carved and gilded woodwork, Gobelins tapestries, French ceilings, a courtroom, allegorical paintings and the superb Grand Chambre, which was spared by the fire. Charles Errard and Noël Coypel created the incredible ceilings of this sculpted coffered room, considered one of the major works of Charles Errard, who was also Louis XIV's painter. Allegories of Justice, Religion and other virtues are depicted. In front of the monument, you'll still be able to see an old tramway track, bearing witness to the passage of the tramway here between the end of the ^19th century and the middle of the ^20th century. Every evening in summer, as soon as night falls, a superb sound and light show, much appreciated by the people of Rennes, enlivens the façade of this emblematic building. In winter, the Place du Parlement hosts a gourmet Christmas market and a cheerfully decorated Christmas tree. The rest of the year, it's a meeting place where you can stroll and relax, surrounded by stores, bars and restaurants.