Saint-Germain Church, Rennes
Saint鈥慓ermain Church is one of Rennes鈥� notable historic monuments. Constructed from the late 15th to the late 17th century, it showcases the Gothic style, later complemented by refined elements of late Renaissance design. The richly detailed south porch, created between 1606 and 1623 by Germain Gaultier鈥攖he inaugural architect of the Brittany Parliament鈥攔emains its most remarkable architectural highlight.
The church鈥檚 origins, however, trace back to a simple 12th-century chapel, once surrounded by a cemetery in the 13th century. Today, two ancient pillars near the sacristy remain, quietly bearing witness to Rennes鈥� medieval roots. As the city flourished, Saint鈥慓ermain became the parish of wealthy merchants and influential parliamentarians. Its gradual construction from roughly 1470 to 1690 reflects the evolving tastes and prosperity of its community.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a lofty nave with soaring vaults, slender arcades, and grotesque carved sabli猫res鈥攁 hallmark of Breton Gothic design. The original wooden ribbed ceiling was eventually replaced in the 17th century by a continuous stone vault, heightening the church鈥檚 majestic ambiance. Inside, you鈥檒l also find one of Rennes鈥� oldest stained-glass windows鈥攁n eclectic mosaic assembled by Max Ingrand using fragments salvaged from older medieval panels destroyed in 1944.
Saint鈥慓ermain also houses a historic organ dating back to the early 19th century, expanded over time by noted manufacturers such as Daublaine鈥慍allinet and Merklin鈥慡ch眉tze, and restored in 1996 to preserve both its classical and romantic richness. Its interior also features a fine painting of 鈥淭he Resurrection of Lazarus鈥� by Eloi Firmin F茅ron, and other sculptural elements鈥攊ncluding a marble pulpit and baptistry鈥攎any of which are individually protected as historic artifacts.
The church鈥檚 origins, however, trace back to a simple 12th-century chapel, once surrounded by a cemetery in the 13th century. Today, two ancient pillars near the sacristy remain, quietly bearing witness to Rennes鈥� medieval roots. As the city flourished, Saint鈥慓ermain became the parish of wealthy merchants and influential parliamentarians. Its gradual construction from roughly 1470 to 1690 reflects the evolving tastes and prosperity of its community.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a lofty nave with soaring vaults, slender arcades, and grotesque carved sabli猫res鈥攁 hallmark of Breton Gothic design. The original wooden ribbed ceiling was eventually replaced in the 17th century by a continuous stone vault, heightening the church鈥檚 majestic ambiance. Inside, you鈥檒l also find one of Rennes鈥� oldest stained-glass windows鈥攁n eclectic mosaic assembled by Max Ingrand using fragments salvaged from older medieval panels destroyed in 1944.
Saint鈥慓ermain also houses a historic organ dating back to the early 19th century, expanded over time by noted manufacturers such as Daublaine鈥慍allinet and Merklin鈥慡ch眉tze, and restored in 1996 to preserve both its classical and romantic richness. Its interior also features a fine painting of 鈥淭he Resurrection of Lazarus鈥� by Eloi Firmin F茅ron, and other sculptural elements鈥攊ncluding a marble pulpit and baptistry鈥攎any of which are individually protected as historic artifacts.
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Saint-Germain Church on Map
Sight Name: Saint-Germain Church
Sight Location: Rennes, France (See walking tours in Rennes)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rennes, France (See walking tours in Rennes)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rennes, France
Create Your Own Walk in Rennes
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rennes is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rennes Introduction Walking Tour
Rennes began its existence as Condate Redonum, a Gallic and Roman town at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers. During medieval times, it became one of the three major cities of Brittany, together with Vannes and Nantes. The city played an important role in the Stamped Paper Revolt in 1675. During the French Revolution, it became the headquarters of the republican army in the fighting... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Rennes Historical Churches Walking Tour
Historical churches occupy a significant place in the cultural identity of Rennes, France. Travelers with a keen interest in religious history and architecture will find plenty to look at in this town.
Standing out majestically among the local ecclesiastical landmarks is Rennes Cathedral. Built in the 12th century, it underwent a centuries-long transformation from its Gothic origins to its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Standing out majestically among the local ecclesiastical landmarks is Rennes Cathedral. Built in the 12th century, it underwent a centuries-long transformation from its Gothic origins to its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Medieval Houses Walking Tour
From the late Middle Ages through to the end of the Ancien R茅gime (the period of Bourbon rule in France, from 1589 to 1789), a multitude of half-timbered houses were built in Brittany, and particularly in Rennes. Even today, the Breton capital is where half-timbered houses remain the most prevalent style of architecture, and a key element of the cultural heritage of the region reiterated in many... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles