Visiting Thabor Park
Named after a mountain in Israel, Thabor Park is the pride of Rennes. Spanning over 10 hectares (about 25 acres), it blends various styles and botanical species to create a colorful escape in the heart of the Breton capital.
History
The park originated as a modest hill overlooking part of the city. Benedictine monks gave it its biblical name.
Because the city was fortified, the defensive walls left little room for farmland or gardens inside. The land where the current park sits was once an dependency of the abbaye Sainte-Melaine (Saint-Melaine Abbey) and remained outside those walls.
This space was divided between vegetable patches, orchards, and pleasure gardens. In the 17th century, the monks opened it to the public. After the fire of 1720, which devastated the center of Rennes, Thabor Park became the seat of the bishopric and the palais de l'évêché (Bishop's Palace) was constructed there.
Following the French Revolution, the land was transferred to the municipality, which established a botanical school and a botanical garden on the grounds. In 1801, the church reclaimed the Bishop's Palace, but the gardens remained city property.
Throughout the 19th century, successive expansions allowed for a complete redesign of the park. Various architects and landscape designers made modifications throughout the 20th century, culminating in the most recent work, which was completed in 2013.
Thabor Park
Thabor Park features several iconic local landmarks. Among them is the area known as "l'enfer" (the hell), where duels took place after the Revolution before it became an open-air theater. Today, this space is part of a concert venue project.
Visitors should certainly take note of the high quality of the jardins à la française (formal French-style gardens), the jardin botanique (botanical garden), and the impressive roseraie (rose garden). While most of the greenhouses are closed to the public, they form a striking ensemble alongside the orangerie (orangerie).
It is a significant park that warrants a visit.
Thabor Park is the perfect spot to stroll around in the summer, with family or friends :) The rose garden is a must-see in the summer, as well as the aviary which is perfect for watching birds with your kids. Personally, I also love the many tree species that are interesting to check out! A little hidden gem to look for, the park also has a statue of Glenmor, a legendary figure of Breton folklore preservation! Definitely worth a look :)