Podcast Tour: Ashes to Stone - The Rebirth of Rennes

Rennes, France
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Duration1h 24m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English
Group sizeUp to 99 travelers

Overview

Step into a tale of fire, wealth, and architectural revolution. Discover how a devastating inferno in 1720 transformed Rennes from a fragile, cramped medieval tinderbox into a grand, fireproof classical masterpiece. Join architecture expert Tom and local resident Irene as they guide you through hidden alleys, bustling markets, and monumental squares, revealing the human stories etched into the very stones and timbers of the city.

- A 1.4 km self-guided tour with 7 stops over 84 min
- Ideal for travelers interested in Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation and History & Memory
- Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

What's included

  • Verified facts woven into an engaging story
  • Interactive in-app guide for questions about the story and surroundings
  • Precise navigation between the stops
  • Immersive podcast-style audio featuring experts and locals

What to expect

  1. Place du Champ-Jacquet
    10m
    A square featuring iconic, leaning half-timbered houses that illustrate the fragility of the medieval city.
  2. Place des Lices
    10m
    A historic market square showcasing the early shift in architectural prestige and fireproofing.
  3. 10m
    A hidden, narrow medieval alleyway offering an immersive experience of the pre-fire city.
  4. 10m
    The physical transition line marking where the Great Fire of 1720 started.
  5. Place de la Mairie
    10m
    The heart of the post-fire reconstruction, showcasing rational, classical stone architecture.
  6. Parlement de Bretagne
    10m
    The ultimate symbol of Breton identity, surviving the 1720 fire but tragically burning in 1994.
  7. 10m
    A vibrant street of preserved half-timbered houses, showing how the medieval past lives on.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

From Rennes's main station, take local public transport toward Place du Champ-Jacquet. Get off at the nearest stop and walk the final few minutes to Place du Champ-Jacquet, Rennes, France. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.

End point

From Rue Saint-Georges, walk to the nearest public transport stop and travel back to Rennes's main station. The departure point is Rue Saint-Georges, Rennes, France. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
€5.99 €4.79 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Red Thread · Booked through Viator
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