Tour du Chesne, Medieval fortified tower in Rennes, France

The Tour du Chesne is a cylindrical stone structure with distinctive defensive features including machicolations at its top and a reinforced sloping base built into the city walls. Its solid stone construction and fortified design reflect the military architecture of the 15th century.

The Tour du Chesne stands on Rennes' first rampart, a 3rd-century wall rebuilt between 1447 and 1459 alongside the second rampart and the Mordelaise Gate. In the 16th century a trapdoor was fitted to use the lower pit as a prison. It was listed as a monument historique on 13 March 1944 and bought by Rennes Métropole in March 2023.

The tower is named after Jehan du Chesne, the grand porter of Rennes and its first inhabitant, who was charged with opening and closing the city gates. From 1143 Rennes held the privilege of the papegaut, an annual shooting contest at a cardboard or wooden bird, first with crossbow and after 1605 with arquebus; the winner, the "king of the papegaut", gained tax exemption and the right to levy taxes. A papegaut target stood on the tower until 1680.

The tower stands in the Square Hyacinthe-Lorette, a public garden that also holds the Croix de la Mission and the last remains of Rennes' first rampart, including Gallo-Roman blocks. It is seen from the outside at street level; the tower itself is not open to visitors.

From its construction until 1680, the tower hosted an annual archery competition called papegaut where victors received tax exemptions and collection rights. This made winning the contest one of the most sought-after honors in the medieval city.