Vitré has a prestigious architectural heritage, whereas its neighbouring 63 towns have a exceptional wooded landscapes. Through gentle rolling countryside, set off to discover its renowned past by visiting its museums, castles, manors and archaeological sites. Restaurants and gourmet addresses welcome you for little treats to the great pleasure of wonderful meals. You will not be disappointed if you enjoy walking or relaxing near the waterside. We hope you enjoy your stay.

Pavillon du Tourisme – Office de tourisme-syndicat d'initiatives (Tourist office)
Place du Général de Gaulle - 35500 Vitré
Tel. +33 (0)2 99 75 04 46 – Fax +33 (0)2 99 74 02 01 – www.ot-vitre.fr
Whether it is for guided tours, gîtes, hotels, restaurants, or ideas for walks, the tourist office of Vitré and its surrounding area is at your disposition to prepare a successful trip.

Four museums, one ticket
The four museums of Vitré each have their own theme related to the buildings in which they are found. They can all be visited with a single ticket (obtained in each museum).

The museum of Sacred Art established in the old chapel of the Saint-Yves and Saint-Nicolas hospitals and the adjacent choir of the nuns focuses on French religious silverware of the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. The collections trace its development over time through the work of the major religious silversmith producers: the eclecticism of the Louis Philippe period that used the shapes of the Renaissance and the 17th century; the second half of the 19th century that was especially touched by the neo-Gothic work of the major Parisian companies: P. Poussielgue-Rusand, Trioullier, Demarquet and Lyon establishments such as Armand Calliat. The transition to Art nouveau then Art Deco is shown by the work of the silversmiths Chaumet, Brunet, and Mellerio. This permanent exhibition gathers traditional objects: Ciboriums and chalices, etc. together with several exceptional works such as the Christus Vincit by J. Chaumet.

Musée du château (Castle museum)

Built in 1080 by the baron of Vitré on a rocky promontory overlooking the Vilaine valley, the castle was rebuilt in the 13th century to its current triangular plan. During this time, the family of Vitré joined with the Laval family and in the 15th and 16th centuries it came into the La Trémouïlle family. It is an interesting example of a medieval castle on the border between France and Brittany and its museum recounts the history of Vitré through decorative arts, a display of 19th century curiosities, and much more…

Musée des Rochers-Sévigné

This was the Brittany residence of Madame de Sévigné after her marriage to Henri de Sévigné in 1644. As a widow, she spent much time here and wrote most of her famous letters from here. The museum remembers her with, in particular, her portrait and the portraits of those close to her. The spirit of Madame de Sévigné is also present in the chapel that she had built, the French formal garden and the park to whose paths she gave names. The Orangery houses a permanent exhibition on the Rocher family, Madame de Sévigné, her work and her memory.

Musée de la Faucillonnaie

In 1677, a high roofed wing was added to the former 15th century manor of La Faucillonnaie, erected on a hillside overlooking Montreuil-sous-Pérouse. A monumental staircase gives access to both parts. This mansion became a farmhouse that was enlarged with farm buildings before it came to house the museum for the rural heritage of the Vitré area. The collections respectively recall the farmhouse objects and mansion objects: furniture, crockery, clothes, paintings, etc. The farm building evokes the trades of the Vitré area.

Museum opening times:
1 July to 30 september: from 10.00am to 6.00 pm (everyday)
1 October to 31 March: from 10.00am to 12.00am and 2.00pm to 5.30pm (closed on Tuesdays and Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings)
1 April to 30 June: from 10.00am to 12.00am and 2.00pm to 5.30pm (everyday)
Closed: 1 January - Easter Sunday - 1 November - Christmas day

A single ticket enables you to visit the four museums of the Vitré area
Normal rate: 4 €
Reduced rate: 2.5 €

Gardens and natural spaces

At Vitré

A garden in the city centre with the elegance of a park. Seven superbly planted hectares where the variety of species rivals with the richness of the flowerbeds. Walking in this garden is a real treat and you will forget the city although you are in its centre.

Pré des Lavandières (city centre)
This garden is a small taste of countryside on the banks of the Vilaine at the foot of the castle. It combines aquatic plants and flowerbeds, charm and tranquillity.

The view is breathtaking. Give yourself the pleasure of discovering a magnificent view of Vitré, the castle on its rocky outcrop, the walled city, the churches and the fortifications.

Madame de Sévigné loved this garden and her soul still lingers here. Between the delicately scented boxwood pathways and expertly laid out borders, you wish you had the letters of this great lady at hand to be fully part of her world. The walk is full of emotions.

Please read the heading in "Welcome to Vitré"

Within a few kilometres from Vitré

Whether it is the gardens of the château de Bel Air (Le Pertre), le Bois Cornillé (Val d'Izé), or the Chemin des Loups (Argentré-du-Plessis), there are many places around Vitré to discover.
More information can be obtained from the tourism office, tel. +33 (0)2 99 75 04 46. www.ot-vitre.fr.

Lakes and water features

Within ten minutes from the city centre, the Vitré area has many exceptional natural sites for relaxation or leisure where the wooded countryside harmoniously combines with various water features. Jogging, walks, picnics, cycling, fishing, sailing, or even just idling your time away… are the little treats you can give yourself to spice up the present for the entire family..

La Valière (toward Erbrée)
Within a few kilometres from Vitré, the La Valière lake area of 100 ha has 6 km of paths for walking or horse-riding. Fishermen have their favourite fishing spots here.

La Cantache (between Landavran, Montreuil-sous-Pérouse and Champeaux)
Much used by sports people, this lake has a 12 km circuit. It has beautiful pathways that are well kept and well designed to the Champeaux hills.

La Haute-Vilaine (between Saint-M'Hervé, la Chapelle-Erbrée and Bourgon)
Its water sports centre is much appreciated by sports people. Bathers enjoy the beach. Its shaded picnic areas are always appreciated. The view of the Nétumières chateau gives glimpses of elegance to walkers. Fishermen also have their favourite spots here.

At Le Pertre, at Châtillon-en-Vendelais, and near Domalain, the area of Vitré has many interesting lakes that you can discover.
More information can be obtained from the tourism office,
tel. +33 (0)2 99 75 04 46. www.ot-vitre.fr.

Madame de Sévigné tour
The Madame de Sévigné country tour is a signposted tourist route that covers 80 kilometres starting from Vitré. On the way, you will find many chateaux and religious monuments. The countryside is also well worth visiting with the Vilaine valley, the parks, gardens and lakes.

Walks
Among the many footpaths, there are:
GR34: "Mont-Saint-Michel - Saint-Brieuc"
GR 37: "Redon - Josselin - Carhaix"
Former railway line open for walks from Vitré to Guerche-de-Bretagne (40 km round trip).
Additional information can be obtained from the tourism office, tel. +33 (0)2 99 75 04 46. www.ot-vitre.fr.

Leisure
Horse riding, cycling tourism (mountain bike hire), swimming pools, golf course (18-hole, practice, club house), mini-golf, tennis, reading (multimedia libraries), cinema, exhibitions, festivals and events, and more.
More information can be obtained from the tourism office, tel. +33 (0)2 99 75 04 46.www.ot-vitre.fr.

Accommodation

Municipal campsite at Saint-Étienne (route to Argentré-du-Plessis), open all year round with limited places during winter. Tel. +33 (0)2 99 75 25 28.

Hotels
Contact the tourist office, tel. +33 (0)2 99 75 04 46. www.ot-vitre.fr. The "Hotels-restaurants" brochure is also available on request, consult the "Documentation" page.

Restaurants
Contact the tourist office, tel. +33 (0)2 99 75 04 46. www.ot-vitre.fr. The "Hotels-restaurants" brochure is also available on request, consult the "Documentation" page.

Websites to consult:
www.ot-vitre.fr
www.pays-des-portes-de-bretagne.com
www.paysdevitre.org