Good news for Rennes! In its 2026 ranking of the best student cities in France, L’Étudiant magazine places the Breton capital 2nd nationally out of 50 student cities, confirming its appeal to young people and the quality of its study environment.

With nearly 73,000 students, representing more than 20% of its population, Rennes stands out as one of the most student-friendly cities in France. This result reflects the vitality of its university ecosystem, the diversity of its educational offerings, and the high quality of life it provides.

One of the best educational offers in France

Rennes particularly excels in the “Education” category, where it holds the top national ranking. The city boasts a rich and diverse higher education system, notably with the University of Rennes, Rennes 2 University, Sciences Po Rennes, ENS Rennes, and EHESP. L’Étudiant magazine lists 869 higher education programs in the greater Rennes area.

A human-scale, connected, and accessible city

Located just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Paris by train, Rennes boasts excellent accessibility. Its transport network, structured around two metro lines, efficient buses, and night services, facilitates student travel while promoting sustainable mobility.

The city also has an extensive cycling network with over 930 kilometers of dedicated paths, as well as numerous green spaces, contributing to a particularly desirable living environment.

An environment fit for success

Beyond its higher education institutions, Rennes is attractive for its economic dynamism. The ranking highlights an excellent level of employment with a score of 9.5/10, driven by strong job growth over the past ten years and one of the lowest unemployment rates among major university cities.

The cost of housing also remains relatively affordable for a city of this size, with an average studio apartment rent estimated at €477, a significant advantage for students and their families.

A city highly praised by its students

One of the most telling figures is undoubtedly the recommendation rate: nearly 97% of students surveyed would recommend Rennes to other students. This result reflects the students’ attachment to their city of study and the quality of the student experience in Rennes.

This new distinction confirms Rennes’ position as one of the most attractive university destinations in France, combining academic excellence, quality of life, mobility, economic dynamism, and cultural richness.