Living in Rennes: the ultimate expat guide

Rennes has established itself as one of France's most dynamic employment hubs, with a diversified economy that has proven resilient through economic cycles. The city has gained over 30,000 jobs since the post-pandemic recovery, significantly outpacing pre-crisis employment levels. For professionals seeking opportunities in France, Rennes offers a compelling combination of career prospects and work-life balance.

Key Employment Sectors

The local economy is notably multi-sectoral, reducing dependence on any single industry. Digital technology and cybersecurity form the backbone of Rennes' identity, with the city holding the French Tech label and hosting numerous competitiveness clusters. Telecommunications remains a major employer, with Orange (formerly France Telecom) as the largest private employer in the metropolitan area with approximately 4,800 employees. The automotive sector, led by Stellantis (formerly PSA Peugeot Citroën) with around 3,000 workers, along with agrifood, healthcare, and logistics complete the employment landscape.

Work Permits and Employment Conditions

EU/EEA citizens can work freely in France without a permit. Non-EU nationals typically require a work visa, with common pathways including the Talent Passport for highly skilled workers and the Temporary Worker Permit for employment contracts exceeding three months. Employers often sponsor visa applications for in-demand roles. The following table summarizes key employment indicators:

Sources: INSEE, ERI SalaryExpert

With over 60,000 students representing nearly 30% of its population, Rennes ranks among France's leading university cities. The University of Rennes alone enrolls approximately 37,000 students, of whom 10% are international. The city offers diverse study options, from prestigious engineering schools to world-class business programs, all within a supportive and affordable environment.

Major Institutions

The University of Rennes spans multiple campuses, with Campus Beaulieu in the east focusing on sciences and technology, while law, economics, and political science faculties are located near the city center. The University of Rennes 2 specializes in humanities, social sciences, arts, and languages, situated in the Villejean district with direct metro access. Rennes School of Business, an internationally accredited business school, delivers all programs in English and draws students from over 50 countries. Several Grandes Écoles round out the offering, including engineering schools and institutes of political studies.

Tuition Fees and Admissions

French public universities offer remarkably affordable education. EU students pay standard national fees, while non-EU students benefit from partial exemptions at the University of Rennes. International applicants from countries covered by the Études en France procedure must apply through Campus France. The application deadline for preliminary admission (DAP) is typically January 15 for the following academic year.

Sources: University of Rennes

Families relocating to Rennes will find a range of educational options for their children, from the French public school system to international and bilingual programs. The French education system is highly structured and well-regarded, though the transition may require support for children who do not speak French. Several schools offer international sections and language assistance programs.

International and Bilingual Schools

Saint-Vincent Providence operates an American International Section (SIA) from preschool through lycée (high school), making it the most comprehensive English-language option in Rennes. The program accepts both bilingual children (starting from age 4–5) and those joining an accelerated English track (starting in CM1/4th grade around age 9–10). Native English-speaking teachers deliver instruction based on American and British methods, preparing students for both the French baccalauréat and entry to English-speaking universities. Lycée Ile de France offers a three-year international section for students aged 15–18, with boarding accommodation available from Sunday through Friday.

French Public Schools with Support

École Saint-Yves, located in central Rennes, provides intensive English classes taught by native speakers alongside the French curriculum. Daily 20-minute English sessions are offered in preschool, progressing to structured language and civilization classes in primary school. Collège Rosa Parks (Villejean-Malifeu) is recognized as a good option for secondary students needing international program integration. Public schools may offer UPE2A classes (units for newly arrived foreign students) to help non-French-speaking children integrate into the system.

Sources: Saint-Vincent Providence, École Saint-Yves

Rennes offers a housing market notably more affordable than Paris and other major French cities, with diverse options ranging from historic half-timbered buildings to modern apartments. The compact city center and efficient public transport mean that most neighborhoods provide convenient access to amenities and employment areas.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Centre-Ville (City Center) combines the charm of the historic southern quarter, with its surviving timber-framed houses, and the rebuilt northern section featuring elegant 18th-century stone townhouses. Rents here command a premium but offer walkability to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Thabor-Saint-Hélier, east of the center, is prized for its proximity to the magnificent Parc du Thabor, university facilities, and the National Theatre of Brittany. This family-friendly area attracts professionals and academics. Villejean-Université serves the large student population with affordable housing near the University of Rennes 2 campus and direct metro access. Sud-Gare and nearby Le Blosne, south of the main train station, offer budget-friendly options with good transport links.

Rental Prices and Procedures

Prospective tenants typically need to provide proof of income (three months of pay slips), employment contract, identity documents, and often a guarantor (garant) earning at least three times the monthly rent. Non-French residents may use services like Garantme or Visale as alternative guarantor solutions.

Sources: RentYourNest, local rental listings 2024

Rennes punches above its weight culturally, hosting internationally acclaimed festivals and maintaining a thriving arts scene supported by its large student population. The city's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, while its strategic location provides quick access to Brittany's legendary coastline and countryside.

Festivals and Events

Les Transmusicales, held each December since 1979, ranks among Europe's most prestigious music discovery festivals. Over five days, approximately 77 artists from 40 countries perform across 14 venues, showcasing emerging talent that often achieves international success. Previous performers who were discovered at the Trans include Nirvana, Björk, Ben Harper, and Daft Punk. The I'm from Rennes festival in September celebrates local musicians with free concerts in Parc du Thabor and throughout the city. Other notable events include the Travelling Film Festival focusing on Anglophone cinema and heritage open days each autumn.

Museums, Parks, and Recreation

The Musée de Bretagne at Les Champs Libres cultural center explores Brittany's history from prehistoric times to the present, while the Museum of Fine Arts houses works by Botticelli, Rubens, Picasso, and an extensive collection of Breton art. Parc du Thabor, sprawling across 10 hectares, combines French formal gardens, an English landscape park, and a botanical collection with over 3,000 plant species. Sports enthusiasts can follow Stade Rennais FC at the Roazhon Park stadium or take advantage of municipal swimming pools, tennis courts, and cycling paths along the Vilaine River.

Day Trips and Excursions

The walled port city of Saint-Malo lies just one hour away by train, offering dramatic rampart walks and fresh seafood restaurants. The mythical Forest of Brocéliande (Paimpont), associated with Arthurian legends, provides hiking through ancient woodlands less than an hour by car. Mont-Saint-Michel, the spectacular island abbey, can be reached in approximately 90 minutes.

Rennes combines the amenities of a major city with the walkability and friendliness of a smaller town. The city's compact layout means that most daily errands can be accomplished on foot or by bicycle, while an efficient public transport network connects outlying areas. The presence of a large student population ensures a lively atmosphere with cafés, restaurants, and shops open late.

Getting Around

The STAR network operates the city's public transport, including two metro lines (Line A and Line B), an extensive bus network, bike-sharing (Vélo STAR), and carpooling services. Line A runs east-west through the city center, while Line B (opened in 2022) connects the northwest to the southeast. Single tickets cost EUR 1.70 and are valid for one hour with unlimited transfers. Monthly passes (KorriGo card) cost approximately EUR 19–24 for those aged 18–26 and seniors, with higher rates for adults aged 27–64. Children under 12 travel free. The city also offers 900+ shared bicycles at more than 80 stations throughout the metropolitan area.

Shopping and Markets

The Marché des Lices, held every Saturday morning, ranks as France's second-largest food market. Local producers sell Breton specialties including fresh oysters from Cancale, galettes (buckwheat crepes), salted butter caramels, and kouign-amann pastries. Supermarkets like Carrefour, Leclerc, and Intermarché are found throughout the city, while the pedestrianized streets around Place de la République offer a mix of international brands and independent boutiques. Most shops close on Sundays, though bakeries and some supermarkets maintain limited hours.

Rennes offers a significantly more affordable lifestyle compared to Paris, with overall costs approximately 30% lower than the capital. The city ranks among the more budget-friendly major cities in France while maintaining high standards of services, infrastructure, and quality of life. Below are estimated monthly budgets for two household types.

Monthly Budget: Single Person

The following estimates assume a moderate lifestyle with a one-bedroom apartment in a standard neighborhood:

Monthly Budget: Family of Four

The following estimates assume a family with two children in a three-bedroom apartment:

Sources: Numbeo, STAR network tariffs 2024