Rennes

Thanks to a dynamic ecosystem that brings together video game companies, animation studios, research centres and various players in the digital and graphic design industries, the city of Rennes is an ideal location for ESMA students. Through contact with professionals in these sectors, they learn about their future professions, discover their many facets and gradually integrate the contemporary challenges of these industries. It is a priority for ESMA and all the Creative Schools to develop solid, lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships with these numerous players, with a view to offering our students an enriching educational experience that is directly connected to the realities of the market.

The city that saw the birth of the National Animated Film Festival in 1983 continues to write its history with animated films! This emblematic event has since nurtured and enriched the local scene, making Rennes a key venue for fans and professionals of the genre. Other events, such as the video game festivals Stunfest and Geek Days Rennes, the comic strip festival Pré en Bulles, and the Imagine Summit, formerly known as the Digital Tech Conference, which brings together experts in digital and creative technologies, are all not to be missed by ESMA Rennes students. They come together to forge valuable links with industry professionals, exchange innovative ideas and immerse themselves in the latest industry trends.

Rennes was named the second-best student city in the L’Étudiant 2023-2024 rankings because of its dynamism and many assets. Its historic heritage, the richness of its city centre and the many green walks the city has to offer are all things that students particularly appreciate. The festive and nightlife scene in Rennes is second to none, and the friendly, peaceful atmosphere of its picturesque districts is no stranger to this reputation. With almost 70,000 students, the city has developed an extremely rich cultural and artistic offering, supported by the presence of numerous grandes écoles, as well as an economic and creative policy that has paid off handsomely! This is a godsend for ESMA Rennes students, who are eagerly immersed in this stimulating environment, which is conducive to their personal and professional development.

With its STAR transport network, comparable to those of France’s major cities, including two metro lines, a fleet of over 100 buses and a self-service bicycle hire scheme, Rennes is a model of efficient urban mobility. Thanks to constant efforts to improve the accessibility and sustainability of transport, the city stands out from many other metropolises by constantly proposing innovative and environmentally-friendly solutions. For ESMA students, these advantages mean easy day-to-day travel, rapid access to the city’s different districts, and seamless integration into a dynamic environment!