It was a spiritual and political centre of Brittany, the place where Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII celebrated their engagement in 1491. From 10 January, the Couvent des Jacobins in Rennes will be open to business tourism. This transformation projectlaunched in 2009 and launched in February 2014 with the laying of the foundation stone, reflects Brittany's determination to strengthen its position as a conference centre, with the city banking on its history to set itself apart from the competition.
Situated in the heart of the city, on Place Sainte-Anne, this listed building dating from the 14th century has been given a contemporary makeover by the Guervilly et Mauffret practice, while retaining its old stone charm. Soon to be served by a metro line and equipped with the latest technology, the Couvent des Jacobins offers two auditoriums seating 1,000 and 300, a 500-seat auditorium and 25 sub-commission rooms for a capacity of up to 1,500 people for plenary sessions or in catering configuration. With this new event venue and the new railway line putting Rennes 90 minutes from Paris, Brittany's capital intends to go well beyond the 400 professional events organised each year in the Rennes Métropole area.
