Square de La Motte

Square de La Motte is a garden square in central Rennes with green spaces and pathways situated between rue Victor Hugo, rue Martenot, and rue Guillaudot in the Thabor-Saint-Hélier district. The space combines paved areas and planted zones to create a place for people to rest and walk through.

The site became a promenade at the end of the 17th century, and in 1829 Charles Millardet built a monumental staircase on the square. This staircase was later moved to the southern entrance of Parc du Thabor in 1901.

The eastern side displays a memorial for the 41st Infantry Regiment, created in 1951 by Pierre Thézé to honor fallen soldiers. This commemorative space is surrounded by greenery and forms a quiet place for reflection in the neighborhood.

The square is accessible from several streets and can be reached on foot from various parts of the city center. Visitors should note that it functions as a public space that is easy to explore during daylight hours.

The original staircase was dismantled from the square in 1901 and reconstructed elsewhere. This relocation illustrates how urban spaces were reshaped over time.

Location: Rennes

GPS coordinates: 48.11290,-1.67446

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:48