Town: Rennes

Town: Rennes

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is,  considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

 

Rating is 1 – 4 (1 being most friendly)

  1. Known to be a favorite for internationals and/or Anglophones; English heard frequently
  2. Substantial international community; hearing English is not unusual
  3. Some expats, or other international populations, occasionally you might hear English spoken
  4. Not especially international; English rarely heard spoken”

 AVF stands for Accueils des Villes Françaises (roughly translated ‘Home of French Cities’ From their website: The national network of Accueils des Villes Françaises “offers new residents and anyone looking for social connections friendly activities that allow them to discover their new environment and make new friends.” 

They are particularly helpful as you meet newcomers, both French and English-speaking.  Most branches provide a robust range of classes (including French) and activities, for an incredibly small annual membership fee  (35 Euro?)    Here’s their national website, which will connect you to the branch in the town you are looking at https://avf.asso.fr/

 This category differs with each town.  One town might have a large international industry (Bordeaux: aerospace) or govermental HQ (Strasbourg: EU) while others are simply perennial favorites for internationals (like Nice, or any nice spa town, like Jonzac or Bagnoles-de-l’Orne) 

 We feel that a large university is a marker of a town used to newcomers and at home with a range of cultures and ideas. 

A town that attracts retirees is more likely to be safe, affordable,temperate in climate, offer good health care options  and be welcoming

 We use three categories: least, mid, or most expensive.  For wonderful details and ability to compare costs of  different French towns, see villedereve.fr

Data from the site villedureve.fr.  Range from 0  to 100 with 100 the best

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

Small towns population: 15,00 – 7,500 Big towns population: 7,500 – 50,000  City: 50,000 – 250,000 Big City: 250,000 +

Small towns population: 15,00 – 7,500 Big towns population: 7,500 – 50,000  City: 50,000 – 250,000 Big City: 250,000 +

 (On a scale of 1 – 5, 1 easiest)

 (On a scale of 1 – 5, 1 easiest)

 A robust train station is in or nearby this town

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
  • 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

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. 

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%).

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