Welcome to Vitré! Here are five must-sees to discover during your half-day in Vitré, between fortified castles, half-timbered houses, historical heritage and nature.
1. Start your half-day with the essential Castle of Vitré
A flagship monument of the city, this impressive medieval castle located in the heart of the city is THE symbol of Vitré. From the place of the castle, you will observe the architectural witnesses of the different eras that the building has known since its establishment at the end of the XNUMXth century. To discover the interior of this fortress and learn more about its history, go to Castle Museum.
2. Stroll through the medieval streets of Vitré
Vitré is teeming with authentic streets with preserved heritage. The most remarkable are undoubtedly the rue d'En Bas and rue de la Baudrairie.
You will appreciate the splendid half-timbered houses dating from the XNUMXth to the XNUMXth century, witnesses to the prosperity of canvas trade (hemp fabrics) and Overseas Merchants, these traders who traveled the world.
The ground floor of these houses housed the shop and the workshop.
At number 10 rue d'En Bas, take a break in front of the Bol D'or hotel, superb residence with a remarkable facade made of turrets and slate roofs.
Today the authentic houses in the city center pursue their commercial vocation and welcome independent shops, artisans and designers, restaurants and even food stores.
Photo spot:
Halfway down the rue d'En Bas, from the small rue de la Tremoille, enjoy an original point of view combining the top of the Tour Saint-Laurent of the Château de Vitré and the slate roofs of the rue d'Embas.
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©Tourist Office of the Pays de Vitré ![eglise notre dame Vitré]()
©Vitré Community – Thibault Poriel
3. Visit the Church of Notre-Dame de Vitré
This rich church founded between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries owes its opulence to the financial participation of the brotherhood of Overseas Merchants and barons.
The south facade is full of treasures : carved door dated 1609,
sculpted exterior pulpit, seven decorated gables ...
Also observe the marks that the merchants have engraved
in stone.
4. Appreciate the panorama of the Jardin des Bénédictins
Hidden behind the Notre-Dame de Vitré church, the Benedictine Garden overlooks the Promenade du Val and offers you a magnificent view of the Vilaine, the Pré des Lavandières and the surrounding countryside. Take a moment to appreciate the landscape, rejuvenation guaranteed!
The House of World Cultures is hidden a stone's throw away, in the former Benedictine priory.
Porch houses
Opposite the church, at numbers 29, 31 and 33 rue Notre-Dame are three porch houses whose covered galleries allowed merchants to protect their goods from bad weather. We can say that these are the ancestors of our modern shopping malls!
5. The Promenade du Val and the Pré des Lavandières
Beginning at the foot of the ramparts of Vitré, the Promenade du Val will take you gently down to one of Vitré's secret places: the Lavandières' meadow. This garden is a real oasis of greenery and calm just a stone's throw from the city center.
On the banks of the Vilaine, an old tannery, sheep and green meadows offer a pure moment of tranquility.
Peckish ? To eat, opt for a character table in the city center of Vitré.
There is no shortage of good addresses! Crêperie, specialties cooked over a wood fire, bistros… The hardest part will be to make your choice!
