Mail François Mitterrand, Pedestrian mall in central Rennes, France
The François-Mitterrand mall is a 700-meter pedestrian passage through central Rennes lined with Lebanese cedars and plane trees providing shade. The wide walkway features seating areas, restaurants with outdoor tables, and open spaces designed for walking and lingering.
The promenade was established in 1677 when the Duke of Chaulnes created it as a gathering place for parliamentary members, originally named the Mail des Champs Elysées. Over time it evolved from an elite retreat into a public space serving the broader community.
A weekly market arrives every Wednesday afternoon with regional producers selling fresh goods directly to shoppers. The gathering reflects how locals value direct connections with farmers and artisans from the surrounding countryside.
The walkway runs between Place de la République and Confluence Garden, with many restaurants offering outdoor seating for dining and relaxing. The flat route is easy to navigate on foot, and benches are scattered throughout for resting.
Much of the route is equipped with outdoor exercise equipment where visitors can work out at no cost, an unusual feature for what was historically a formal marketplace. The space also includes dedicated areas for palet Breton, a traditional local game that locals still play regularly.
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