Couvent des Jacobins, Gothic convent in central Rennes, France.
The Couvent des Jacobins is a Dominican convent in the Gothic style that has been transformed into a modern convention center while keeping its original appearance. Inside, high vaulted ceilings and medieval stone walls surround functional spaces including a large auditorium, a historic hall, and meeting rooms of different sizes.
Founded in 1369, this Dominican convent became a meeting place for peace negotiations between Brittany and France during the medieval period. Key figures such as the Duchess Anne of Brittany and King Charles VIII gathered here to settle their territories and political differences.
The former chapel now hosts a rotating installation of copper elements by Laurent Grasso that interacts with daylight filtering through tall windows. This artwork brings together the historical walls and contemporary creativity in an unexpected way.
The site is easily accessible near the Sainte-Anne metro station in central Rennes and serves as an active convention venue. Visitors should note that some areas may have limited access depending on scheduled events, so it is worth checking what activities are happening during your visit.
The original medieval rooms still sit below the current floor level, creating a feeling of stepping back through centuries when you enter the building. These buried layers tell the site's history in a way that becomes apparent once you look closely at how the space is organized.
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