Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The ramparts of Rennes are a series of three successive enclosures built between the end of the third century and the 15th century to protect the city, then called Condate in the Gallo-Roman era. The first enclosure, erected in response to the unrest of the Roman Empire, delineated the Old City on 9 hectares. Built in red bricks and granite, it was worth the nickname of Urbs rubra ("the Red City") in Rennes. Its walls, 6 meters high and decorated with geometric motifs, were reinforced by piles along the Vilaine. Four main gates and fourteen towers (according to archaeological hypotheses) structured this work, maintained until the Middle Ages despite the seats suffered, such as that of Nominoë around 845-850.

In the 15th century, population growth and threats from roadmen led Duke Jean V, advised by Arthur de Richemont, to expand defences. Two new enclosures were built between 1421 and 1476, bringing the fortified surface to 14 hectares. The city of Neuve to the east and the New City to the south of Vilaine are protected by walls of 8 meters, towers adapted to artillery, and boulevards (oval bastions). However, the third enclosure, badly constructed, cracked as early as 1460. A fourth-premises project in 1485 was abandoned for financial reasons. The ramparts, which became obsolete after the union of Brittany with France, were gradually demolished in the 16th century.

Today, only 30% of the first enclosure remains, mainly north of Vilaine, with visible remains between the Place du Maréchal-Foch and the Rue de Juillet (Portes Mordelaises, Tour Duchesne). These fragments, listed in the Historic Monuments in 2018, have been the subject of excavations and development projects since 2012. The moat has been partially set up in the garden, and a tourist circuit runs along the remains. Most of the other sections disappeared, sold or destroyed after Henry IV's (1602) edict authorizing their demolition.

The ramparts illustrate Rennes' defensive evolution, marked by adaptations to threats (invasion, artillery) and political stakes (Duchy of Brittany, Kingdom of France). Their construction also reflects social tensions, as evidenced by the taxes levied to finance the works, including the log on the wine. Recent archaeological excavations have clarified their layout and construction techniques, revealing portions buried under the road or in private courts.

External links