Rennes

Ashes to Stone: The Rebirth of Rennes

1.4 km84 min7 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into a tale of fire, wealth, and architectural revolution. Discover how a devastating inferno in 1720 transformed Rennes from a fragile, cramped medieval tinderbox into a grand, fireproof classical masterpiece. Join architecture expert Tom and local resident Irene as they guide you through hidden alleys, bustling markets, and monumental squares, revealing the human stories etched into the very stones and timbers of the city.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Place du Champ-Jacquet

A square featuring iconic, leaning half-timbered houses that illustrate the fragility of the medieval city.

Place du Champ-Jacquet

Pic by Erwan Corre on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.35 km • 5 min
2

STOP 2

Place des Lices

A historic market square showcasing the early shift in architectural prestige and fireproofing.

Place des Lices

Pic by rosier on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.27 km • 4 min
3

STOP 3

Rue de la Psalette

A hidden, narrow medieval alleyway offering an immersive experience of the pre-fire city.

Rue de la Psalette

Pic by Pymouss on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.25 km • 4 min
4

STOP 4

Rue de l'Horloge

The physical transition line marking where the Great Fire of 1720 started.

Rue de l'Horloge

Pic by chisloup on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

0.11 km • 2 min
5

STOP 5

Place de la Mairie

The heart of the post-fire reconstruction, showcasing rational, classical stone architecture.

Place de la Mairie

Pic by chisloup on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

0.25 km • 4 min
6

STOP 6

Parlement de Bretagne

The ultimate symbol of Breton identity, surviving the 1720 fire but tragically burning in 1994.

Parlement de Bretagne

Pic by P. Danilo Royet on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.21 km • 3 min
7

END

Rue Saint-Georges

A vibrant street of preserved half-timbered houses, showing how the medieval past lives on.

Rue Saint-Georges

Pic by Trizek on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and urban explorers fascinated by city transformations.
  • Best time Late morning to early afternoon, especially on a Saturday to catch the local markets in full swing.
  • Comfortable shoes Cobblestones are everywhere, so wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
  • Market day Saturday mornings at Place des Lices are busy but offer the most authentic local vibe.
  • Look up The best architectural details in Rennes are often above eye level.
  • Pacing Take your time in the narrow alleys to truly feel the temperature and acoustic shifts.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Tom Bennett
Audio sample
0:000:00

Tom Bennett

  • Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation
  • Northern England

Architecture and urban planning professional. Explains the city's hidden systems – from mobility to water pipes – clearly and vividly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

Now only €3.99 incl. VAT