Guide to Ille-et-Vilaine and Properties in Department 35
Agricultural Riches
Ille-et-Vilaine is an affluent agricultural area located in the northwest of the department, near the Rance River. The basin is known for its rich and fertile soil, ideal for growing crops. The department also boasts numerous forests and rivers, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing.Cultural Heritage and Historic Sites
In addition to its natural beauty, Ille-et-Vilaine is also renowned for its rich historical heritage and distinctive culture. The department has many historical sites and monuments, including castles, churches, and museums, which offer a glimpse into its fascinating past. Its cultural heritage is also reflected in its festivals, traditions, and cuisine, which are influenced by both French and Breton cultures.Key Information about the Ille-et-Vilaine (35)
- Main City/Prefecture: Rennes
- Nearest Airport: Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport
- Population: Around 1.1 million (as of the latest census)
- Area: 6,775 sq. kilometres and 2,615 sq. miles
- Landmark: Mont-Saint-Michel (shared with Manche), a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of France’s most iconic landmarks.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 3 million, captivated by its historic cities, coastlines and cultural festivals.
Types of Properties for Sale in Ille-et-Vilaine
Ille-et-Vilaine is a picturesque department that offers a unique mix of beauty, history and culture, making it an excellent destination for travellers seeking an authentic 'Breton' experience. From Rennes' medieval streets to tranquil villages and rural hamlets, the area features a charming variety of properties — including historic village houses, renovated farmhouses, modern villas, classic stone properties and chic apartments.Common Property Styles in the Department
- Longères & Farmhouses: Traditional Breton homes and farmhouses, often renovated, with generous space and outbuildings.
- Maisons de Maîtres & Mansions: Elegant period properties with character, ideal for a prestigious home or investment.
- Traditional Houses: Charming village homes with slate roofs and authentic Breton features.
- Contemporary Houses: Modern homes with open-plan living and energy-efficient designs, in town or countryside.
- Apartments: Stylish city apartments in Rennes and other towns, from modern builds to period conversions.
Property Prices & Trends in Ille-et-Vilaine (35) in 2026
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,487 (source: Le Figaro - April 2026)
- Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €4,041 (source: Le Figaro - April 2026)
- Price trends: +1% over the last 12 months, +39% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro - April 2026)
House Prices in the Main Towns in Ille-et-Vilaine in 2026
- Average House Price in Rennes: €4,196 per sq. metre - (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Saint-Malo: €4,404 per sq. metre - (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Fougères: €2,083 per sq. metre - (April 2026)
Thinking of Buying a Home in Ille-et-Vilaine?
- Brittany’s Golden Balance: Ille-et-Vilaine features medieval Saint-Malo, the Forêt de Rennes, and the stunning Côte d’Émeraude, with stone longères, villas, and maisons de Maîtres, often more affordable than those in Finistère.
- Strong Rental Demand: Tourists attracted to Mont-Saint-Michel’s bay, Dinard’s beaches, and Rennes’ culture boost property yields of 6–9%, especially near Cancale, the Oyster Capital of Brittany.
- Prime Location: Rennes Airport (1 hour to Paris), the TGV (1 hour and 25 minutes), and its close proximity to Normandy make it perfect for second-home owners and those seeking a lively yet peaceful base in Brittany.
- Temperate Climate: Mild summers (20–25°C) for sailing, hiking the GR34, and oyster tasting, with cool winters (5–10°C).
- Authentic Breton Lifestyle: A region of maritime and rural traditions featuring seafood festivals, fest-noz evenings, and markets with local produce. It combines coastal beauty, historic charm, and community spirit, ideal for a vibrant Breton life.
Browse our Properties for Sale in Ille-et-Vilaine
Explore our selection of granite houses, village homes, villas and countryside properties for sale in the Ille-et-Vilaine area of Brittany. These real estate listings are updated weekly by our trusted local agents. Please get in touch with us to arrange property visits or to discuss your search criteria.French Property Search
This really is an exceptional property in a peaceful and highly privileged location, surrounded by the delights and treasures of nature yet just 1.5kms from a village with local amenities, 15kms from…
Read full details →SOLE AGENCY : You can hear the seagulls and you can smell the sea .... Enjoying a unique and privileged position equidistant between Saint-Malo and Cancale in a quiet and peaceful countryside hamlet and…
Read full details →Located in the charming village of Gaël, in the heart of Brittany, this traditional stone property offers a rare opportunity for renovation enthusiasts looking for a project with character and potential.Gaël…
Read full details →Located in Dinard, just outside the town for easy access to major roads, this house is ideally situated: the bus stop is right outside the house, perfect for getting to the town center and shopping, going…
Read full details →As you wander through the narrow streets of Saint Suliac, it's easy to imagine a pied-à-terre or a new home. A favourite village on the Rance Maritime close to Saint Malo. This old house boasting many…
Read full details →€748,800 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Brittany
Miniac Morvan, Ille-et-Vilaine
Rare find in Miniac-Morvan, nestled in a peaceful hamlet, discover this beautiful character property, imbued with old-world charm.Formerly an inn, the property has retained its welcoming atmosphere and…
Read full details →€1,242,000 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Brittany
Miniac Morvan, Ille-et-Vilaine
We all have in our imagination charming and delightful English countryside, that's what we feel here, the beautiful comes out, simply, nature surrounds us, we arrive at the estate by a small path, very…
Read full details →Located in the heart of Cherrueix, these unique plots provide a rare opportunity to build your dream home 200 meters from the sea! Imagine stepping outside your door to fresh sea air, sandy shores, and…
Read full details →€1,656,000 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Brittany
Saint Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine
Welcome to this exceptional place, a true charming setting dedicated to tourist reception and special events such as weddings. This old mill, with its picturesque pond and unusual accommodation, promises…
Read full details →€319,000 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Brittany
Louvigné-du-Désert, Ille-et-Vilaine
Longère with attached successfully run gîte and additional studio apartment sitting in just under 3.5 acres with an in-ground swimming pool and further outbuildingsThis property offers versatile accommodation…
Read full details →€329,000 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Brittany
Saint-James, Ille-et-Vilaine
Quality detached house with garden and garage in a hamlet in BrittanyThis superb property is believed to date back to 1732. Over the last two and a half years it has been completely rebuilt other than…
Read full details →Showing 1 to 11 of 11 results