Halles centrales, Market hall in Rennes, France
Halles Centrales is a covered market hall in Rennes with around 27 vendor stalls selling fresh fish, meat, produce, and local regional products. The building features a metal framework structure with glass panels and open sections that allow natural light to fill the interior spaces.
Built between 1912 and 1926 by architect Emmanuel Le Ray, the hall replaced a former grain market that occupied the same location. The construction took place during a period when French cities were modernizing their market infrastructure.
The market serves as a gathering place where locals shop for daily needs and connect with neighbors and vendors. The monthly Marche a Manger event brings residents together around regional cooking and locally made products.
The hall operates throughout the week with longer hours on weekdays and shorter hours on weekends. Morning visits tend to be busier with more vendors active, while afternoon hours offer a quieter shopping experience.
The interior spaces feature decorative elements designed by artist Isidore Odorico, giving the hall a distinctive visual character. A lesser noticed feature is that a former fish auction area has housed a free contemporary art center since 1986.
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