A trio of named storms bringing heavy rainfall on saturated ground has prompted almost unprecedented flooding in parts of France.

The city of Redon, Brittany, is expected to reach water levels not seen since 1936. On Thursday, levels were already at 5.14 metres, just 32 cm below the record high.

Redon is almost completely cut off due to the flooding as rain continues to fall on Friday.

Elsewhere, districts in Rennes are seeing flood levels reminiscent to those last seen in 1981.

In total, more than 1,200 people have been evacuated nationwide with properties losing power, roads cut off, and rail networks halted.

Storm Ivo passed over the country on Wednesday, with flooding primarily hitting the north-west area of France in the aftermath.