welcome to

Rennes

Population

222,485

City - 50,000 - 250,000

Region

Brittany

Ille-et-Vilaine

Cost of living

Mid-range

Cost index: 51

Health resources

Friendly factor

Substantial international community; hearing English is not unusual

Climate

Each scale compares this town with the rest of France: least, mid-range, most.

Sun

Least Sunny

Heat

Coolest

Rain

Rainiest

Snow

Least snowy among regions in France

Wind

Least windy

Cold

In the mid-range of cold regions of France

Welcoming atmosphere

AVF welcome organization for newcomers: Yes

Historical ties to international entities: Yes

Large university nearby: Yes

Larger than typical share of retirees: No

Local Anglophone group: Yes

Getting around

Ease of travelling to this town

Rated: Excellent

Ease of travelling within this town

Rated: Excellent

Train station: Yes

Bike friendly: Yes

Having a car: Difficult, as most French cities. A bad idea unless absolutely necessary, make sure you have a plan for parking

General comments on transportation

Superb local public transport, including metro, bus, bike rental. Excellent train connections to Paris and many coastal towns. A resident on Quora: "Public transportation is easily accessible and makes getting around without a car a breeze. Currently, a new, second metro line is being constructed which will make things even easier than they already are. There are bike lanes on nearly every street as well. There is a train station which makes trips to Paris, other areas of France, or even parts of Europe, quite easy. And there is even an airport."

Nearest international airport

Rennes airport is decently served by Easyjet, as is Nantes, but you also have good direct TGV to CDG (as of this writing 3 trains a day direct to CDG)

Journey to Charles de Gaulle

Direct TGV to CDG (as of this writing 3 trains a day direct to CDG)

To the major train station

Public transport and train service is frequently mentiones as a main reason for Rennes high ranking in "best places to live" There are 56 trains a day to Paris

Biking notes

The terrain is flat, there is a city sponsored bikesharing system, and the center of the city is congested ( so caution is appropriate) In addition three exspecially nice places to bike are:

The Canal Ille-et-Rance: This is a beautiful canal that runs through the city center. It's a great place to see some of the city's most famous landmarks, such as the Parliament of Brittany and the Rennes Cathedral.
The Jardins de l'Espace Alternatif: This is a large park located on the outskirts of the city. It's a great place to go for a leisurely bike ride and enjoy the scenery.
The Forêt de Rennes: This is a large forest located just outside of the city. It's a great place to go for a more challenging bike ride and enjoy some fresh air

Pluses & minuses

Special pluses

Great public transportation
"Rennes has long been counted as "the smallest of the big cities" in France, but that it was now had momentum, not least thanks to upcoming 90-minute rail links to Paris, new Metro works, and a €2 billion injection to public investment. "My message is this: Rennes will amaze you," the mayor said. " "
Factors that Rennes ranks high in: public transportation, cultural events, green space, affordability and night life
"PROS: I do not like the heat and it is cooler here. Just 90 mins to Paris. GREAT health care. Terrific transportation via bus and metro and we are able to live easily without a car. It's lively here, a university town and something's always happening, but it's not too big. Very walkable. Close to the amazing Bretagne coast. I find the people in Brittany to be warm and welcoming. A lot of activity along the river. Good shopping. Very good restaurants and bars. An exquisite old town with half-timbered houses. Galettes! Decent beer. " Therese C. in Americans Retiring in France

Possible minuses

Not super sunny

A university town....which has its minuses and pluses

"CONS: It rains more than in the south. (You just learn to live with it.) We seem to have as many manifestations as Paris. There isn't, at least what I can see, a large English-speaking community. (This could be a pro or con.) I feel like it would be difficult to feel comfortable with medical care if you don't speak French." Theresa C.

Longer-stay properties here

More than 30 days, less than 90. Off-peak season, prices and features vetted for this kind of stay.

Geography

Who recommends it

The Local: Ranked Rennes the #1 French city for Expats. Rennes is a cultured, international city according to locals. ..“Rennes is a lively university and student city that is accustomed to opening the door to foreigners,”

European Commission: Ranked Rennes among the top 10 European cities (#8) "on public services, environment, quality of professional life, housing, transport, inclusion and security...Rennais appreciate green spaces (93% satisfied), cultural (90%) and sporting (88%) spaces. They find that their city is pleasant to live in with children (94%), older people (92%) and LGBT people (93%).