4 reasons why you should absolutely come to Rennes for your studies

The 2024 ranking of student cities compiled by L’Étudiant identifies Rennes as the second city in France for an exceptional student experience. But what makes Rennes so attractive to young people?

#1
A thriving economic hub

Rennes is a dynamic city in the heart of Brittany, renowned for its culture, its youthful spirit and its innovative digital companies. It is not only a welcoming place for students, but also for entrepreneurs, researchers and young professionals.

A city connected to the job market
Rennes is a pioneer in terms of synergy between higher education, research centres and the business world. The Rennes metropolitan area has a population of over 470,000 and one of the lowest unemployment rates in France. Brittany, together with the Pays de la Loire region, also has the lowest unemployment rate.

A booming entrepreneurial ecosystem
In recognition of the growth of its start-ups, Rennes has been labelled a “Capital of French Tech“, and continues to attract major investments in digital and technological innovation.

For its part, the Rennes School of Business has its own incubator, Innostart, which aims to promote innovation and support students in launching and managing their entrepreneurial projects.

#2
A dynamic cultural scene

Cultural events are organised throughout the year in Rennes, with activities ranging from music, sport, theatre and the arts to environmental initiatives and charity events. Many of these events have a national or even international reputation, such as the Benniale of Contemporary Art, the Transmusicales music festival, Les Tombées de la Nuit, and the Mythos Arts Festival.

Find a list of upcoming exhibitions and where to find them here, or visit some of the permanent urban art sites dotted around Rennes. History enthusiasts can visit the city’s many historical monuments.

Photo credit: Destinations Rennes – Thomas Crabo.

#3
A student city par excellence

Rennes is a particularly young city: almost 50% of the population is under 30. Every year, more than 65,000 students (including more than 6,000 international students) come to study there. The overall cost of living is significantly lower than in Paris.

The Rennes metropolitan area has an excellent infrastructure with an efficient public transport network, including a metro, buses and self-service bicycles. Access to the capital is quick thanks to the TGV, which connects Rennes to Paris in just 1 hour and 25 minutes.

At the forefront of the environmental cause, Rennes has for many years been developing a vast cycling network throughout the city, enabling its citizens to get around quickly throughout the city, while avoiding the usual rush-hour traffic jams and reducing their carbon footprint.

#4
Nature at your fingertips

Rennes has many green spaces and hidden treasures to discover. The city has beautiful parks and gardens where you can stop for a coffee to take away in the Thabor gardens, or go to the Prairies Saint-Martin for a stroll along the canal.

Brittany, meanwhile, is a region renowned for its wild coasts. Keen hikers can set off to explore the coastal path of the GR34, while those who like to relax can be in Saint-Malo in just 55 minutes by train to sit on the beach and savour a crêpe.

Discover these five micro-adventures in the open air to try out in Rennes!

Whether you are drawn by the professional opportunities, the culture, the ecological lifestyle or the exceptional quality of life at an affordable price, or simply because you like regions with their own identity and numerous cultural treasures, Rennes is an ideal destination for your studies.