Contents
Description

In the heart of the capital Rennes, you will discover a building that occupies an important place in the history of Brittany. The Palais du Justice (formerly Palais du Parlement de Bretagne) was the seat of the Breton parliament until its dissolution during the French Revolution. Surrounded by the magnificent Place du Parlement de Bretagne and elegant 17th and 18th century houses, it is now the seat of the Rennes Court of Appeal.
A classic Renaissance building
The building in the Tuscan Renaissance style was constructed between 1618 and 1655 according to plans by Germain Gaultier and Salomon de Brosse, the architect of the Palais du Luxembourg in Paris. The classical building brought Parisian court art to Brittany. It was not until around 100 years later, in 1706, that the interior of the palace was completed.
Magnificent interior
The former Palais du Parlement de Bretagne impresses above all with its ornate interior. The first floor is dominated by granite, while the upper floor is mainly made of tuff. The state rooms were used for court hearings and assemblies of the estates, while various merchants had their stalls in the Salle des Gros Piliers until 1840. The jewel of the palace is the Grand Chambre. It impresses with an elaborately decorated, gilded ceiling designed by Coypel and Errard as well as magnificent tapestries.
The building has been open to visitors since 1999. Guided tours of certain parts of the palace are offered (subject to a charge).
How to get there
By car
The capital of Brittany is easy to reach from all directions. Coming from the south, take the N137 to Rennes. From the east, take the A81, from the west the N24 or N12. If you are coming from the north, follow the A84 or the Voie de la Liberté. All highways lead to the ring road that surrounds Rennes. From there, follow the signs to the city center.
By public transportation
Rennes can be reached from Paris in just two hours by TGV high-speed train. From the République and Sainte Anne metro stations, it is only a few hundred meters to the Palais du Justice.