Mordelaise Gate

The Mordelaises Gates, in Rennes

The Mordelaises Gates are the main gate of the former ramparts of Rennes, a witness of its medieval past. The Rennes audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this fortified structure, the gate of honour of the Breton city.

The gate of honour of the city

The Mordelaise Gate is the main gate of the former fortifications of Rennes, built in the Middle Ages. Flanked by two towers and preceded by a bridge, it constituted the gate of honour of the city, through which the dukes of Brittany passed for their coronation and the bishops at their solemn entry. A major vestige of the medieval ramparts, it testifies to the role of Rennes as the capital of the duchy of Brittany and remains one of the most history-laden monuments of the city.

What to see

You admire the fortified gate flanked by two towers, a major vestige of the medieval ramparts of Rennes, through which the dukes of Brittany passed. The Mordelaises Gates testify to the role of Rennes as the capital of the duchy. It is a major stop for lovers of history, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Mordelaises Gates lie in the heart of old Rennes, reachable on foot. It is an open-air monument, freely visible at all times from the public space. You discover them during a walk in the historic centre.

Who passed through the Mordelaises Gates?

The dukes of Brittany for their coronation and the bishops at their solemn entry; it was the gate of honour of the medieval city of Rennes.

Where are the Mordelaises Gates?

In the heart of old Rennes, in Brittany.