Is Rennes Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Due to the fact that Rennes is not a big city in France, it is rarely mentioned on tourist guides.

However, you should know that Rennes is worth visiting and it is particularly nice in early July when the “Festival des Tombées de la Nuit” takes place.

Rennes is the capital of France’s Brittany region and its history dates back more than 2,000 years.

Rue de la Psalette and Rue du Chapitre are places that each visitor must see as they are famous for half-timbered houses that have survived the time and the great fire in 1720.

Warnings & Dangers in Rennes

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Generally speaking, Rennes is not a too dangerous place to visit, and people spend holidays without any kind of trouble. However, you should follow all the above-mentioned advice and especially avoid demonstrations wherever possible.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Being that many tourists undertake long journeys in France so that they can see most of the country, they are suggested to plan their journey carefully, avoid unknown roads, and take into consideration weather conditions.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

So as to protect yourself from pickpockets who operate in Rennes major streets, in front of tourist attractions, bus stops, and on busses, travelers need to keep purses and wallets between their arms and body and do not leave them unattended.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Before coming here, you need to get informed of any potential flood risk, check weather conditions and watch current news so as to be sure that none of the possible natural disasters might happen.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

People who are noticed to have a lot of cash with them or wear expensive watches or jewelry are especially attractive to muggers. They might attack you with the gun and ask you to withdraw money from ATMs. You are suggested not to resist in this situation.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Due to the high risk of terrorism in France, the French government has warned the public to be extra vigilant. Tourists are not a direct target of terrorists, but places full of tourists are frequently attacked by them.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

If you decide to go out to a night club or bar and drink, you need to know your limits when alcohol is in question. If you drink too much, you can easily become a victim of scammers who will take your money, or even worse, they might hurt you.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Females who are noticed to take a large amount of cash from ATMs or wear flashy and excessive amounts of jewelry can easily attract the attention of both thieves and muggers in Rennes. Make sure you remain vigilant and avoid going out solo at night.

So... How Safe Is Rennes Really?

Being that the possibility of natural disasters exists, tourists are suggested to observe all warnings regarding avalanches and do not start their adventure or any kind of trip if the current situation is not safe.

Pay special attention, being that road conditions in mountainous areas can quickly become difficult in winter, so you might need special equipment for the journey.

Drivers should park only in well-lit parking lots and avoid traveling at night if they go to places that are away from the main roads.

Avoid parking in isolated or dark areas and do not sleep in your vehicle, as there have been instances of drivers being attacked while asleep.

Due to the fact that nowadays protests linked to the yellow vest movement are popular throughout France and they continue taking place on Saturdays, tourists are suggested to avoid being part of these protests and to stay away from any kind of demonstrations happening there.

Firstly, because they might be arrested or hurt without any reason and secondly because those gatherings can become targets of terrorist attacks that are likely to happen in France.

In case of any kind of emergency situation, you need to follow the advice of the local authorities and act accordingly.

How Does Rennes Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Entering France without a visa is possible for people coming from Europe, as long as their passport is valid. However, there might be some other entry requirements when other countries of the world are in question.

Currency

The Euro is the official currency in France, but if you have the opportunity to pay by credit or debit card, you should do that way, protecting yourself from becoming a victim of pickpockets.

Weather

In Rennes, the climate is warm and temperate which is characterized by significant rainfall. July is the warmest month, while January is the coldest one.

Airports

Coming to Rennes is possible via Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport. This is a minor international airport 6 kilometers away from Rennes. Some major airlines operating here are Aer Lingus Regional, Air France and EasyJet.

Travel Insurance

Looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important so tourists are advised to get a travel insurance policy which will cover emergency medical expenses in France.

Rennes Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

France - Safety by City