Arthur Le Moyne De La Borderie

Arthur Le Moyne de La Borderie in Rennes: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Arthur Le Moyne de La Borderie’s Impact on Rennes and Brittany

Arthur Le Moyne de La Borderie (1827–1901) is revered as the father of modern Breton historiography. Renowned for his meticulous research and six-volume Histoire de Bretagne, La Borderie’s dedication to preserving the culture, language, and history of Brittany has left a profound legacy in Rennes—the cultural and administrative capital of the region. Today, visitors can trace his enduring influence through a network of historical sites, archives, and institutions, each offering a gateway to Brittany’s storied past. This guide details practical visitor information, including hours, accessibility, ticketing, and tips for engaging meaningfully with La Borderie’s legacy in Rennes. For the most up-to-date information, refer to Rennes Tourism and the digital archives of Université Rennes 2.

Portrait of Arthur Le Moyne de La Borderie, French historian

Portrait of Arthur de La Borderie oil painting

Portrait of Arthur de La Borderie painted by Gustave Marquerie in 1872

Portrait of Henri La Borderie, French historian

Grave of Louis-Arthur Le Moyne de La Borderie at Nord Cemetery in Rennes

La Borderie’s Legacy in Rennes: Key Sites
Visiting Cimetière du Nord: La Borderie’s Tomb
Essential Visitor Information (Hours, Tickets, Access)
Highlights and Nearby Historical Attractions
Special Events, Tours, and Cultural Activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Planning Your Visit: Tips and Recommendations
Further Reading and Resources

La Borderie’s Legacy in Rennes: Key Sites

Bibliothèque municipale de Rennes

The Rennes Municipal Library boasts extensive collections on Brittany’s history, featuring La Borderie’s publications and manuscripts. Special exhibitions and archives highlight his contributions to regional identity.

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM; closed Sundays and public holidays.
Admission: Free; some special exhibitions may have a fee.
Access: Official website

Archives départementales d’Ille-et-Vilaine

A vital resource for researchers, these archives house documents and exhibitions commemorating La Borderie, including centenary materials and original manuscripts.

Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday mornings for researchers.
Admission: Free; appointments recommended for archival access.
More info: Archives Ille-et-Vilaine

Société archéologique et historique d’Ille-et-Vilaine

Founded and led by La Borderie, this society organizes conferences, publications, and cultural events focused on Breton history. Some events are open to the public; schedules vary.

Université Rennes 2 Library

Located at Place du Recteur Henri Le Moal, the university library holds rare editions of La Borderie’s works and offers digital access to much of his research.

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; closed weekends and holidays.
Admission: Usually free, though access to rare materials may require an appointment or researcher status.
Contact: [email protected], +33 2 99 14 12 75
Digital resources: Université Rennes 2 Digital Library

Commemorative Plaques and Streets

Across Rennes and Vitré, visitors can find plaques and street names (such as Rue Arthur de La Borderie in Vitré) honoring his memory.

Visiting Cimetière du Nord: La Borderie’s Tomb

The tomb of Arthur Le Moyne de La Borderie at Cimetière du Nord is a place of reflection and tribute for those interested in Brittany’s cultural heritage.

Location: Cimetière du Nord, Rennes
How to Get There:

By bicycle: Dedicated bike lanes and onsite racks
Public transport: Several bus lines stop nearby
By car: Parking facilities available

Essential Visitor Information (Hours, Tickets, Access)

Cimetière du Nord

Hours: Open daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally). Closed or reduced hours on public holidays.
Admission: Free entry.
Accessibility: Most paths are flat; wheelchair access is available, though some surfaces may be uneven.
Guided Tours: Offered occasionally, especially during heritage events—check Rennes Tourism for current schedules.

Other Major Sites

Bibliothèque municipale de Rennes: Free, open Monday–Saturday.
Archives départementales d’Ille-et-Vilaine: Free, open Tuesday–Saturday.
Université Rennes 2 Library: Free, but some collections require advance appointment.

Highlights and Nearby Historical Attractions

Musée de Bretagne: Extensive exhibits on Breton history, culture, and folklore.
Parlement de Bretagne: A 17th-century architectural gem, symbolizing regional autonomy.
Old Town (Centre Historique): Medieval streets and timber-framed houses.
Château de Vitré: Near La Borderie’s family estate, offering a glimpse into the medieval past.

Photographic Spots:

La Borderie’s tomb at Cimetière du Nord
Historic pathways and monuments within the cemetery
Medieval streets and the Parlement de Bretagne

Special Events, Tours, and Cultural Activities

Heritage Days & Festivals: Rennes hosts annual events such as the Festival de la Bretagne in May, with exhibitions and guided tours referencing La Borderie’s work.
Academic Lectures & Conferences: Held at Université Rennes 2 and local archives; check institutional calendars.
Guided Walks: Offered by the Société archéologique d’Ille-et-Vilaine and local tourist offices, sometimes focusing on La Borderie and broader Breton history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an entrance fee to visit La Borderie’s tomb?
A: No, admission to Cimetière du Nord is free.

Q: Can I visit the tomb year-round?
A: Yes, but hours may vary seasonally and on holidays.

Q: Are there guided tours about La Borderie?
A: There are no exclusive tours, but local societies and heritage events often include his contributions.

Q: Is the Université Rennes 2 library open to the public?
A: Yes, though access to rare documents may require prior appointment.

Q: Are materials available in English?
A: Most are in French; limited English resources are available. Guided tours in English can be arranged with advance notice.

Planning Your Visit: Tips and Recommendations

Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on gravel and grass paths.
Photography: Bring a camera for the serene and historic environments.
Weather: Check forecasts as most sites are outdoors.
Transport: Use public transport or bicycles to avoid parking issues, especially during festivals.
Accessibility: Most sites accommodate visitors with reduced mobility; contact ahead to confirm.
Combine Sites: Enhance your experience by visiting Rennes’ historic center, museums, and nearby Vitré.

For a seamless visit and personalized recommendations, download the Audiala app for self-guided tours and real-time updates on Rennes’ historical sites.

Conclusion

Exploring the legacy of Arthur Le Moyne de La Borderie in Rennes offers a unique perspective on Brittany’s cultural and historical identity. While there is no single dedicated museum or monument, his influence is deeply woven into the city’s libraries, archives, academic institutions, and commemorative sites. Whether you are a scholar, student, or cultural traveler, Rennes provides a rich, immersive opportunity to connect with the roots of Breton history and celebrate the achievements of one of its most dedicated champions.

For the latest information and to make the most of your trip, consult the resources above and consider the Audiala app for expert guidance and audio tours.

References:

Visiting Arthur Le Moyne de La Borderie’s Tomb at Cimetière du Nord in Rennes: Your Guide to a Historic Site, 2025, Rennes Tourism (https://www.tourisme-rennes.com/en/)
Arthur Le Moyne de La Borderie: Exploring His Legacy and Historical Sites in Rennes, Brittany, 2025, Université Rennes 2 Digital Library (https://bibnum.univ-rennes2.fr/items/show/352)
Visiting Arthur Le Moyne de La Borderie Legacy in Rennes: History, Memorials, and Visitor Information, 2025, Université Rennes 2 (https://bibnum.univ-rennes2.fr/items/show/352)
Visiting Arthur Le Moyne de La Borderie Sites in Rennes: Hours, Tickets & Historical Attractions, 2025, Rennes Tourism (https://www.tourisme-rennes.com/en/)