Lices square

Place des Lices, from tournaments to market

The Vannes audio-guided tour takes you to Place des Lices, one of the main public squares of the city. Laid out in the fourteenth century as the town expanded, it owes its name to the lists, those enclosed fields where jousts took place.

A square dedicated to jousting

In the fourteenth century, owing to its closeness to the Château de l'Hermine, now vanished in its original form, this square was used for jousts and tournaments organised by the dukes of Brittany. The word lices precisely means the enclosed field where these contests took place. The square thus recalls the splendour of the ducal court and the chivalric life of the Breton Middle Ages.

What there is to see

The fighting is over: Place des Lices is now surrounded by shops and bars. It hosts a market twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, and houses the covered market of Vannes. It is a lively spot, ideal for a foodie break in the heart of the old town and for soaking up the local atmosphere.

Practical information

Place des Lices lies in the heart of the historic centre of Vannes, freely accessible at all hours and on the level. The market is held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings; the covered market and shops keep their own hours.

Why is the square called les Lices?

The word lices means the enclosed field where jousts took place. In the fourteenth century, the square hosted the tournaments organised by the dukes of Brittany, hence its name.

When is the market held?

The market is held twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The square also houses the covered market of Vannes.