Vitré, Brittany, France

View of Vitré in Brittany, France
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama_Vitr%C3%A9-nord.jpg
Author: BaS


Vitré (Breton: Gwitreg; Gallo: Vitræ) is a town in the district of Ille-et-Vilaine in Brittany, France. It covers 37 sq km (14 sq mi) and has a population of 17,000 people (2012 estimate).

Vitré is located on the Vilaine river. Its history goes back to the Gallo-Roman period. The present town however dates to much later. It was formally established in the year 1000 by Duke Geoffrey I of Brittany.

Timber-framed houses on rue Baudrairie in Vitré
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vitr%C3%A9_rue_Baudrairie_003.JPG
Author: Moonik


Vitré was a prosperous town particularly in the 16th century, as reflected in the many buildings erected during that period. The merchants of Vitré built fine mansions that are now still well preserved. Vitré was encircled with medieval walls until the 19th century, when it pulled down its southern fortifications so that a train line could be built into the town.

Today Vitré is a ville d'art et d'histoire, or town of artistic and historic significance. This is due to its many historic buildings. Unlike other towns, it did not suffer much damage during the Second World War. As such, 14% of all the historic monuments in the district is found here. Most of its medieval streets are also in a remarkable state of preservation.

Church of Saint-Martin, Vitré
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vitr%C3%A9_(35)_Saint-Martin_04.jpg
Author: GO69

How to go to Vitré

From Paris, you can take the high-speed TGV train to Rennes, and from there change to the local SNCF train to Vitré. If going by road, take the N157 (E50) expressway heading east out of Rennes until interchange with Route D777, then continue on the D777 heading northwest to reach Vitré.

Places of Interest in Vitré

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