# Bureau d'octroi du Mail > former toll house in Rennes **Wikidata**: [Q118523772](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q118523772) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bureau-d-octroi-du-mail ## Summary The **Bureau d'octroi du Mail** is a former toll house located in Rennes, France, originally constructed in 1844. It is a historical building that once served as a tax or toll collection point and now stands as an architectural and cultural landmark in the city. The structure is noted for its neoclassical design and its role in the historical urban infrastructure of Rennes. ## Key Facts - **Founded:** 1844 - **Location:** 1, rue Louis Guilloux, Rennes, France - **Architectural style:** Neoclassical architecture - **Architect:** Jean-Baptiste Martenot (design date: 1884) - **Heritage status:** Listed in the general inventory of cultural heritage - **Original function:** Toll house (octroi refers to a form of city toll or customs office) - **Current classification:** Instance of "office" (as defined in the "office" class: room where people perform office work) - **Renovations:** - First noted in 1885 under architect Jean-Baptiste Martenot - A second renovation was covered in a 2015 article from 20 Minutes - **Coordinates:** 48.1088443, -1.6971311 - **Street address:** 1, rue Louis Guilloux - **Mérimée ID:** IA35024418 - **Wiki Rennes ID:** Maisons_d'octroi_de_Rennes - **Commons category:** Bureau d'octroi du Mail - **External identifiers:** - GND ID: 4008807-8 - Sitelink count: 1 - **Wikipedia language:** Commons - **Related events:** - Construction (1844) - Renovations: 1885 (by Jean-Baptiste Martenot), 2015 (article reference) - **Heritage Designation:** General Inventory of Cultural Heritage (France) - **Notable for:** - Architectural and historical significance - Neoclassical design - Role in Rennes' historical infrastructure ## FAQs ### What is the Bureau d'octroi du Mail? The Bureau d'octroi du Mail is a former toll house in Rennes, France, built in 1844. It functioned historically as a local customs or tax collection office and now serves as a cultural and architectural landmark. ### When was the Bureau d'octroi du Mail built? It was originally constructed in 1844 and is an example of neoclassical architecture. ### Who was the architect of the Bureau d'octroi du Mail? The building is associated with the architect Jean-Baptiste Martenot, who was involved in its 1885 renovation. ### What is the current use of the building? The building is no longer used as a toll house and has been repurposed. It is now a historical and cultural site, and its architectural and heritage value is recognized by the general inventory of cultural heritage in France. ### What is the architectural style of the Bureau d'octroi du Mail? The building is designed in the neoclassical style, reflecting the architectural trends of its era. ### What is the address of the Bureau d'octroi du Mail? It is located at 1, rue Louis Guilloux, Rennes, with coordinates at 48.1088443, -1.6971311. ### What is the historical significance of the Bureau d'octroi du Mail? It represents a key part of Rennes' historical infrastructure, having served as a toll house and now standing as a cultural landmark. ### What renovations have affected the Bureau d'octroi du Mail? The building underwent renovations in 1885 and again in 2015, as noted in a local media report. ### What is the cultural and heritage status of the Bureau d'octroi du Mail? It is officially recognized under the general inventory of cultural heritage in France, highlighting its importance in preserving historical architecture. ## Why It Matters The Bureau d'octroi du Mail matters as a historical and architectural artifact of Rennes' civic infrastructure. As a former toll house, it represents a tangible connection to the city's administrative past. Its preservation and recognition in the general inventory of cultural heritage underscore its value in the historical narrative of Rennes. The building's neoclassical design also makes it a visual and cultural landmark, symbolizing the architectural trends of the 19th century. Its transformation from a functional office into a historical site reflects the evolution of urban heritage and public memory in the city. ## Notable For - Being a well-preserved example of a 19th-century toll house - Its neoclassical architectural style - Its listing in the general inventory of cultural heritage - Its role in the historical infrastructure of Rennes - Its connection to the architectural work of Jean-Baptiste Martenot - Hosting notable events, including renovations in 1885 and 2015 - Its representation of the transformation of public infrastructure in the 19th century ## Body ### History The Bureau d'octroi du Mail was constructed in 1844 in Rennes, France, originally functioning as a toll house. It was part of the historical civic infrastructure of the city, serving as a local customs or tax collection point. The building was designed in the neoclassical style, reflecting the architectural trends of its time. It was later renovated in 1885, with architect Jean-Baptiste Martenot involved in the process. A second renovation was noted in 2015, emphasizing its continued relevance and preservation. ### Architecture The building is designed in the neoclassical architectural style, a reflection of the aesthetic and structural preferences of the 19th century. Its design and layout are consistent with the urban architecture of the time, and it stands as a well-preserved example of its era. The building's historical and architectural value is recognized by its inclusion in the general inventory of cultural heritage in France. ### Location and Address The site is located at 1, rue Louis Guilloux, Rennes, with the geographical coordinates of 48.1088443, -1.6971311. It is a fixed point of reference in the city's historical landscape and is associated with the architectural work of Jean-Baptiste Martenot. The building's location and design make it a significant landmark in Rennes. ### Cultural and Heritage Status The site is listed in the general inventory of cultural heritage, which highlights its importance in preserving the architectural and historical legacy of Rennes. It is a key part of the city's 19th-century urban planning and heritage, representing the transformation of public infrastructure. ### Related Events The Bureau d'octroi du Mail has undergone two major renovations: - In 1885, architect Jean-Baptiste Martenot contributed to its redesign. - In 2015, a renovation was covered in a local media report, emphasizing its continued relevance and preservation. Its recognition as a cultural and historical site underscores its role in the evolution of public infrastructure in Rennes. The building's architectural and historical significance is a testament to its role in the city's urban and cultural memory. It is a well-preserved example of 19th-century civic architecture and continues to be a point of reference in the city's historical narrative. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.20minutes.fr/rennes/1602095-20150505-rennes-lieu-fete-envisage-bords-vilaine)