Rennes Population and Area (Ille-et-Vilaine)
Largest city in France 2026: up-to-date figures for Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine)
Rennes: Population and Area
With 234,950 inhabitants (INSEE total population in force on January 1, 2026), Rennes is the 11th most populous town in France in 2026 and the most populous in the Ille-et-Vilaine department, out of 332 communes. It covers 50 km² (1,152nd largest area in France, 16th largest in the department), with a population density of 4,663 inhabitants per km², or 43 times the national average (110 inhabitants/km²), which ranks it 158th in France for density.
Rennes is located in the Ille-et-Vilaine department (35), in the Brittany region, where it ranks 1st by population out of 1,202 communes. It is the most populous town in the Ille-et-Vilaine department, which is home to 1,145,286 people over 6,775 km².
See the full ranking of communes in the Ille-et-Vilaine department and the regional ranking: largest city in Brittany.
Towns of similar size in the Ille-et-Vilaine department: Saint-Malo (pop. 48,675), Fougères (pop. 20,946), Bruz (pop. 20,113).
Sources: INSEE, official population figures in force on January 1, 2026 (total population); areas: IGN / Observatoire des territoires; INSEE code 35238. Rankings are calculated across the 34,858 communes of metropolitan and overseas France in our database.
Located in the Brittany region and capital of the Ille-et-Vilaine department, Rennes is a dynamic city that has kept its old-world charm. With a population of over 220,000, it is the most populous city in the region.Rennes is rich in cultural and historical heritage. The old town, with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and medieval squares, is a real feast for the eyes. Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Parliament of Brittany and the Musée des Beaux-Arts are popular sights not to be missed.
Rennes is also a young and lively city, with a large student population, thanks in particular to the University of Rennes and Rennes 2 University. The city offers a rich cultural life with festivals throughout the year, such as the Transmusicales, the Mythos festival and Les Tombées de la Nuit.
When it comes to food, Rennes knows how to win people over. Fresh, local produce takes center stage, with plenty of places to enjoy quality traditional cuisine.
Rennes is also a green city, with many parks and green spaces such as the Parc du Thabor, a favorite spot for locals to unwind.
Finally, Rennes is a city on the move. It has a metro, efficient bus lines and a bike-sharing service, which make it easy to get around. With its many events and lively nightlife, Rennes is a great place to live.
All in all, Rennes is a city full of charm, culture, history and life. It offers a pleasant setting for its residents and stands out as a must-see destination in Brittany.