Henri IV square

Place Henri IV and its half-timbered houses

The Vannes audio-guided tour takes you to the charming Place Henri IV, with its village feel and lined with fine half-timbered houses. Set in the heart of the walled town, it forms one of the prettiest scenes of the medieval centre.

Houses packed behind the ramparts

Most of the houses on the square are listed historic monuments. Note how close they are to one another, almost touching. This comes from the fact that, in the past, to protect themselves from attacks, people crowded behind the ramparts, and every square metre mattered. Besides, the housing tax was calculated on the ground-floor area, hence the trick of enlarging the upper storeys by overhang. These close-set wooden buildings did, however, favour fires.

What there is to see

The square lies at the junction of several old streets, making it a picturesque crossroads. Admire the colourful half-timbering, the overhangs and the closeness of the façades, which tell of the cramped life of the fortified town. It is a much-photographed spot, ideal for capturing the atmosphere of medieval Vannes.

Practical information

Place Henri IV is in the heart of the walled town of Vannes, at the junction of Rue des Chanoines, Rue Saint-Pierre and Rue Saint-Salomon. It is freely accessible at all hours and on the level. The houses, private, are contemplated from the square.

Why are the houses so close together?

To protect themselves from attacks, people crowded behind the ramparts, where space was scarce. The tax based on the ground floor also encouraged enlarging the upper storeys by overhang.

Are the houses protected?

Yes, most of the half-timbered houses on Place Henri IV are listed historic monuments, which testifies to their heritage value.