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Origin and history

The Martenot halls, located at Place des Lices in Rennes, were built between May 1868 and July 1870 by architect Jean-Baptiste Martenot. They replace a wooden hall destroyed by the fire of 1720 and are inspired by Victor Baltard's Halles de Paris, combining granite, brick, iron and glass. Each pavilion, of 1,300 m2, could accommodate up to 400 merchants, with a specialization: butcher shop in the south and multipurpose space in the north.

The history of the site dates back to 1483, with a cattle market, followed by a wooden hall in the 18th century. In 1861, Martenot proposed a first project, then in 1867, two pavilions separated by a square. A third pavilion, added in 1907 by Emmanuel Le Ray, was destroyed in 1988 during the renovation, which included underground parking. The halls, threatened with destruction in the 1970s, were saved by the commitment of Edmond Hervé, mayor elected in 1977.

Ranked historic monuments in 1990, the Martenot Halls now house the Lice Market (saturdays) and cultural events. The north hall, modular, hosts congresses and exhibitions, while the south hall remains dedicated to the butcher shop. Their innovative architecture, combining traditional and modern materials, makes it a symbol of Rennes' heritage.

Their design reflects the needs of an expanding city in the 19th century, where covered markets became essential for hygiene and urban organization. The halls also illustrate the influence of Parisian models in the province, while adapting local techniques, such as the use of Breton granite.

The polemic of the 1970s around their destruction reveals the commitment of the Rennes to this place, saved by a citizen and political mobilization. The 1988 renovation, by deleting the third pavilion, has refocused the space on the two original pavilions, while modernizing their use.

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