First Impressions of Rennes

Yes, it’s true; Rennes is quite rainy. Like any other city in Brittany, Rennes in the wintertime gets its fair share of wet days. However, I have to say—and this is coming from a girl who does not typically enjoy any forecast other than “sunny”---all that Rennes has to offer more than makes up for the dreary weather. Plus, the temperatures are quite mild, allowing for plenty of outdoor activities on the days when it’s merely damp.

One of my favorite things to do when I find myself with a bit of downtime after lunch is walk around Rennes. Every day, I discover new buildings with gorgeous architecture and hidden cafés that tempt me to stop in for a pastry. Having always lived in the American Midwest, where the local Walmart is somehow both the prettiest building in town and the best place to hang out, I was very pleased to discover that Rennes is full of third spaces for students to eat, study, and have fun, both on and off the campus of the host institution.

In my first week here, I had the opportunity to visit the opera house, a movie theater, several libraries, and a couple of cafés. For any students who are worried about the differences between American and French college campuses, don’t worry; you will find places to spend time that suit your needs, whether it be the secret room in one of the university libraries that is designed for napping between classes or the café in the Place Sainte-Anne that sells locally made art and hosts craft nights.

Also firmly on my list of “things that are way cool here that we don’t have much of in Indiana”: public transit! My host family lives right at the end of one of the two main metro lines that run through Rennes, so my daily commute is straightforward and simple. I’m a big fan of being able to move so easily between campus, the main dining hall, and anywhere else I want to go during the day. Everything is either a short walk away, or a short metro or bus ride away. Public transportation here is fast, decently clean, and normally reliable.

I specify “normally” because, well, the rumors are true; the French love to protest. My second day in Rennes, the metro was delayed because of a large protest that was being held in the middle of downtown. It wasn’t an issue, though. My host mom and I hopped on a bus and made it to our destination just fine—and she was able to show me more of the city that way, too!

I’ve been here for less than two weeks, which means I have so much more of the city to explore and learn about. After a field trip to the Museum of Brittany—which is conveniently located inside the Champs-Libres Library here in Rennes—I’m excited to learn more about what makes this region of France so unique, apart from its rich history of sardine strikes. One thing I’ve noticed is that Breton, a language native to the area, is incorporated in many modern names for restaurants, slogans, and even public transit. It’s a good reminder that even though I’m here to learn French, there are so many other languages and cultures to learn about without ever having to leave Rennes.

All in all, I’m very lucky to be here in Rennes this semester, and I wish anyone considering this location for their own study abroad journey chañs vat!

Camille COKER

Oberlin College

CIEE-Rennes LA Spring 2026