Vitré, at the gates of Brittany

Stationed at the Gateway to Brittany, the town of Vitré, protected by its castle, was for a very long time one of the sentinels which guarded the borders of the Duchy of Brittany. Today it is the meeting point of different roads into Brittany.

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A remarkably preserved historic centre

The Art and History town of Vitré has taken good care of its exceptional architectural heritage. The town prospered from the 15th century onwards thanks to international trade in hemp canvas. On the left bank of the Vilaine, on the rocky spur topped by the spectacular triangular fortress, the upper town has splendid mansions and the Flamboyant-Gothic church of Notre Dame. It is very pleasant to wander around the narrow streets and stop off for a meal in a restaurant to taste delicious local specialities. Our owners are sure to know some good places ! On the right bank, the district of Rachapt successfully preserved its typical half-timbered houses at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the efforts of its knitting women workers, emblematic figures of this working-class neighbourhood in days gone by.

A fairy tale castle

Standing on its rocky promontory, Vitré castle, one of the finest in Ille et Vilaine, looks out over the winding river Vilaine and the surrounding countryside. Originally built in the 11th century, then rebuilt and strengthened several times between the 13th and 15th centuries, it reminds us of the defensive role played by the town situated on the Brittany Marches. This fine example of Breton, medieval, military architecture is today a museum and the Mairie (town hall). Its impressive design includes high curtain walls with a round tower at each corner and an imposing ‘chatelet’ entrance.

La Marquise de Sévigné

The area around Vitré is intimately linked to the life story of the Marquise de Sévigné. This illustrious 17th century writer lived and wrote many of her famous letters just a few kilometres away in the magnificent Château des Rochers-Sévigné, owned by the de Sévigné family since 1410. The well-known marchioness discovered the château just after her wedding in August 1644. She stayed there 16 times until 1690 and wrote 297 letters including 262 to her daughter. She loved the countryside around the château and transformed the woodland into beautiful grounds with walkways which she gave names to. During her final stay she discovered the garden ‘à la Française’ commissioned by her son Charles and made to a design by Le Nôtre. Your visit to this enchanting place starts in the Orangery, from where a guide takes you on a tour of the garden, the medieval tower and the chapel. Today there is also an excellent 18-hole golf course in the rolling, wooded grounds of Rochers-Sévigné.

Exploring the countryside by bike

Explore the lush, rolling countryside around Vitré, not far from Rennes, by bike along marked cycle routes on small roads with little traffic and sections of traffic-free ‘greenways’ (voie verte). The 5 different circular cycle routes start from Argentré-du-Plessis, Châteaubourg, Louvigné-de-Bais, La Guerche-de-Bretagne, Marcillé-Robert and Vitré. There are 73 footpaths, bridle paths and cycle routes in total in the area – a real treat for country lovers !

How to get to Vitré

Situated between Paris and Rennes, Vitré is under 2 hours from Paris by train and only 3 hours 20 minutes by train. It can also be reached by car from Rennes via dual-carriageway in around 40 minutes.