Vitré

Vitré: A City with Exceptional Heritage

Located at the gateway to Brittany, Vitré is a city where history is revealed on every street corner. Classified as a City of Art and History, it offers a journey through time through its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and emblematic monuments.

Vitré Castle: An Imposing Medieval Fortress

Built from the 11th century, Vitré Castle is one of the finest examples of medieval Breton architecture. Located at the entrance to the Duchy of Brittany, it was a strategic point of defense, reinforced and enlarged over the centuries by the barons of Vitré.

With its triangular plan, its powerful towers and its impressive ramparts, the fortress offers an immersive dive into the Middle Ages. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1872, it was transformed into a prison in the 19th century, before being restored and today housing the Town Hall and the Vitré Museum of Art and History.

Visitors can walk along its curtain walls, admire the panoramic view of the city and discover a digital model tracing the evolution of the castle through the ages. The museum also offers an immersive experience on the great Vitréan explorers and an interactive space to test medieval throwing weapons, such as the crossbow and the trebuchet.

The Rochers-Sévigné Museum: In the Footsteps of the Marquise

A few kilometres from Vitré, the Rochers-Sévigné Museum is a must-see for literature and history lovers. Housed in the former home of Madame de Sévigné, this museum immerses you in the world of the famous letter writer of the Grand Siècle.

Madame de Sévigné (1626-1696), a woman of letters during the reign of Louis XIV, discovered this property in 1644 and fell under its spell. She wrote 294 letters there, mainly addressed to her daughter, constituting a valuable testimony to 17th century society.

The museum offers an exhibition rich in portraits, personal objects and family souvenirs, offering a unique immersion in the life of the marquise. After the visit, you can stroll in the French garden, designed by André Le Nôtre, landscaper to the Sun King, before exploring the chapel and the tower where historical objects related to the letter writer are kept.

A Journey Through History

Vitré is not limited to its castle and the residence of the Marquise de Sévigné. The city is full of architectural treasures:

• Its half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, evidence of its rich merchant past.
• The medieval ramparts, vestiges of the city's defensive power.
• Notre-Dame Church, with its magnificent stained glass windows and flamboyant Gothic details.

Strolling through the historic center means going back in time and immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of a preserved medieval Breton city.

Why Visit Vitré?

Whether you are passionate about castles, literature or architecture, Vitré offers an unforgettable journey to the heart of Breton heritage. With its imposing castle, its museum dedicated to Madame de Sévigné and its charming alleys, it promises a captivating historical immersion.

Come explore Vitré, a medieval city where every stone tells a story!

Visit the Vitré website