Podcast Tour: Ashes to Stone - The Rebirth of Rennes

1 hr 24 minGerman, EnglishRennes, France

From

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

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 you'll do

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

Meeting and pickup

4 locations

Pickup details

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.

Good to know

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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Similar Experiences

Viator
Saint Malo Buccaneers and Bastions Self Guided Audio Walking Tour
1 hour - 1 hr 30 min
Rennes, France
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- New
From
$10
Musement
Explore Rennes freely with an immersive audio tour
1 hr 30 min - 1 hr 40 min
Rennes, France
- Instant confirmation
From
$6
Viator
From Medieval Gates to Art Deco Waves: Audio Tour of Rennes
1 hour - 1 hr 30 min
Rennes, France
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- New
From
$10
Musement
On the trail of poisoner Hélène Jégado immersive audio tour in Rennes
1 hr 30 min - 1 hr 40 min
Rennes, France
- Instant confirmation
From
$12
Viator
The Hardest City to Invade: Saint Malo's Secrets Audio Guide
4.2(14)
1 hour - 1 hr 15 min
Rennes, France
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
From
$10
Musement
Interactive self-guided city game tour in Rennes
3 hours - 4 hours
Rennes, France
- Free cancellation
- Instant confirmation
From
$6
Viator
Rennes Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
4.3(3)
1 hr 30 min
Rennes, France
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
From
$352
Musement
Rennes city highlights walking tour with a local guide
1 hour - 2 hours
Rennes, France
- Free cancellation
- Instant confirmation
From
$81
Viator
Saint Malo Walled City Self Guided Tour
1 hr 30 min - 2 hr 30 min
Rennes, France
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- New
From
$8
Viator
Saint-Malo Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h40 and 29 reviews
4.0(3)
2 hr 40 min
Rennes, France
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- New
From
$7
Viator
Rennes Audioguided Walking Tour 1h50 and 25 Audio Comments
1.0(1)
1 hr 50 min
Rennes, France
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- New
From
$7
Viator
Private 2-hour Walking Tour of Saint Malo with private official tour guide
5.0(1)
2 hours
Rennes, France
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- Special offer
From
$188