Vitré
Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany
Perched on a rocky promontory, the medieval castle of Vitré, home to the Barons of Vitré since the 11th century, impresses with its powerful silhouette of majestic towers and turrets. Considered to be one of the most beautiful fortifications of the Breton Marches, its history and destiny are indissociable from those of the thousand-year-old town.
© Max Juillot
At the gates of Brittany, Vitré is a beautiful human-sized town with a rich heritage which has distinguished it with the “Town of Art and History” label. Its imposing medieval castle is silhouetted from the Vilaine Valley, piercing the landscape. Whether it is roaming its narrow lanes, being surprised by its porches, entering the church of Notre Dame, or heading for the Faubourg du Rachapt, walking through the old town is a journey through time. Today, Vitré’s heritage is at the heart of the town’s urban project. All its structures, whether built, natural, or intangible, will be concerned. Rehabilitating the Vilaine banks will be a major focus. The project will bring fresh enchantment to discovering the castle walls, its surrounding houses, and Saint Nicolas, one of the most elegant monasteries in Brittany. As for nature, it will contribute to preserving fragile landscapes and wild areas. The Vilaine Valley offers so much more than its river: as the city’s second green lung after the Jardin du Parc, it is an invitation to wellbeing for inhabitants and visitors alike.