Château de Vitré
©Château de Vitré|Yannick Le Gal
Culture and heritageCHÂTEAU DE VITRÉ

Château de Vitré, fortress on the border of Brittany

Château de Vitré is exceptional, described by Victor Hugo as one of the most beautiful citadels in France!

THE CASTLE

It is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Europe and has a very beautiful inner courtyard. Today it is home to the town hall and the museum, promising a very enriching visit.

 

THE HISTORY

Built in circa 1050, the castle of the Barons of Vitré was extended in the 13th century by Andrew III and surrounded with a triangular-shaped enclosure. It was extended again in the early 15th century by Guy XII and Jeanne de Laval-Châtillon, and then underwent numerous changes in the 19th century. It was listed as a Historic Monument in 1872 and was then converted into a museum.

 

IN THE MIDDLE AGES

The border region known as the “Marches de Bretagne” was bristling with defensive fortresses built by powerful families to defend the Duchy of Brittany. With its crenelated towers and its massive walls, Vitré fortress is a perfect example of this.

Later, these fortresses developed into medieval cities, like Vitré, city of art and history or La Guerche-de-Bretagne, a listed historic town. Stroll aimlessly around the picturesque streets to discover the charm of the half-timbered houses which, like Vitré, mix with the rich residences of overseas merchants, sailcloth (canvas) manufacturers, who settled there in the 16th and 17th centuries.

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