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If you have done the things to do in France, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Vitre.
Nestled in the heart of Brittany, the charming town of Vitre is a treasure trove of picturesque cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages.
From wandering through the well-preserved castle to immersing yourself in the local culture at the bustling markets, there’s no shortage of enchanting experiences to be had in this hidden gem of a town.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Vitre:
1. Vitre Castle
A medieval castle located in the town of Vitre, France.
What to see or do: Explore the castle’s ramparts and towers, visit the Great Hall and the Chapel, admire the castle’s impressive collection of furniture and tapestries.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking views from the castle’s towers, the interactive exhibits that bring the castle’s history to life, and the charming town of Vitre.
Insider travel tips: If you want to avoid the crowds, visit the castle early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Wear comfortable shoes as there are steep stairs to climb.
Make sure to take some time to stroll around Vitre and check out the town’s historic half-timbered houses and beautiful gardens.
2. Saint-Nicolas Church
Saint-Nicolas Church is a magnificent Gothic-style church located in the historic town of Vitre in Brittany, France.
What to see or do: The church boasts soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass windows, and beautiful stone carvings. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to admire the impressive architecture and learn about the building’s rich history.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the church is its stunning 15th-century stained glass rose window, which measures over six meters in diameter and is composed of 22,000 individual pieces.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to check the church’s opening hours before visiting, as they can change depending on special events and religious holidays.
Also, consider visiting during the town’s annual Festival of St. Nicholas, when the church hosts a special mass and the streets are filled with lively celebrations.
3. Notre-Dame Church
Notre-Dame Church in Vitré, France, is a Gothic-style church dating back to the 15th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of the church, including the intricate stained glass windows and the ornate stone carvings. The church is also home to a number of beautiful religious artworks.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a close look at the “Tree of Jesse” stained glass window, which depicts the genealogy of Christ.
Additionally, don’t miss the impressive vaulted ceilings and the detailed wood carvings that decorate the church’s interior.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should note that the church is occasionally closed for special events such as weddings or funerals. It is recommended to check the church’s schedule beforehand.
Additionally, those interested in the history of the church should book a guided tour to get an in-depth look at the details and stories behind the church’s construction and artwork.
4. Châteaubourg Castle
Châteaubourg Castle is a medieval fortress located in the town of Vitre, France. Dating back to the 11th century, the castle was built to protect the Duchy of Brittany from neighboring Normandy.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s impressive moat, walls, and towers, including the Keep Tower which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Inside, discover the castle’s rich history through interactive exhibits and displays showcasing life in medieval times.
Don’t miss: Be sure to see the ornate Grand Salon filled with intricate tapestries, chandeliers, and period furniture.
The castle’s underground space is also worth exploring, including the torture chamber and the oubliette, a dungeon that was used for punishment and imprisonment.
Insider travel tips:
5. Sainte Croix Park
Sainte Croix Park is a beautiful public park located in the city of Vitre, France, covering an area of 100 hectares.
What to see or do: The park boasts a vast variety of attractions and activities, including boating on the lake, walking and picnicking on the grassy lawns, and exploring the stunning gardens with their attractive fountains, a butterfly greenhouse, an aviary and an animal park, which is home to exotic species of birds and animals.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the deer park, where you can observe majestic deer and learn more about their lifestyle. There is also a playground area for children, featuring swings and slides for them to enjoy.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit the park during the weekends or during school holidays, as there are various shows and events taking place during these times.
Additionally, for those who are visiting Vitre, it is highly recommended to stay a bit longer, as there are many other attractions to explore in the area.
6. Musée du Château de Mayenne
Musée du Château de Mayenne is a historical museum located in the city of Mayenne, France. The museum is housed in a 10th-century castle that has been restored and renovated over the years.
What to see or do: As you explore the Musée du Château de Mayenne, you’ll discover a rich collection of artifacts and exhibits that trace the history of the region.
Highlights include exhibits on Mayenne’s Roman heritage, medieval architecture and art, and the evolution of the castle itself over the centuries.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take in the panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside from the castle’s towers.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the museum and castle grounds.
7. La Grotte de Lourdes
Underground cave system located in the town of Vitre in France.
What to see or do: Explore the natural formations and rock structures within the cave, including stalactites and stalagmites.
Don’t miss: The illuminated underground lake which boasts stunning reflections of the surrounding rock formations.
Insider travel tips: Wear sturdy shoes and bring a jacket as the cave can be chilly.
It’s also recommended to book a guided tour in advance to fully appreciate the history and geological significance of the cave.
8. Chateau de Fougères
Chateau de Fougères is a striking medieval castle in the town of Vitre, France. It is one of the largest fortresses in Europe, spanning over 2.
5 hectares.
What to see or do: The castle boasts several towers, ramparts, and courtyards to explore. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and see the medieval kitchens, guard room, chapel, and Great Hall.
There is also a museum dedicated to medieval weapons and armor.
Don’t miss: Make sure to climb to the top of the tallest tower, the Tour Melusine, for breathtaking views of the castle and surrounding countryside.
The castle also hosts regular events and performances, such as jousting tournaments and medieval banquets.
Insider travel tips: Visitors with limited mobility should note that the castle has several steep staircases and may not be easily accessible. However, there is an audio guide available in multiple languages, including English.
Additionally, try to plan your visit during the week to avoid crowds and long lines.
9. Le Bois Orcan
Le Bois Orcan is a sprawling woodland park located in the picturesque town of Vitre, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can wander through the leafy pathways and discover beautiful natural scenery, including streams, ponds, and native wildlife. The park is ideal for picnicking, jogging, or simply soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the historic ruins of the Château d’Orcan, a castle that was destroyed during the French Revolution. The remaining walls and towers offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the natural beauty of the park.
Also, consider visiting during the summer months when the park hosts various cultural events, including outdoor movie screenings and live music performances.
10. La Ferme des Autruches
La Ferme des Autruches is an ostrich farm located in Vitre, France. It is a unique attraction that offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the life of ostriches.
What to see or do: Tour the farm and see ostriches, emus, rheas, and other rare birds.
You can also take a guided tour, feed the birds, and see demonstrations of how ostriches are raised and cared for.
Don’t miss: Watching the live ostrich race, which is an exciting and amusing experience. You can also shop for souvenirs made from ostrich products, such as leather goods and feathers.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking around the farm.
11. Église Saint-Martin de Châteaubourg
Église Saint-Martin de Châteaubourg is a historic church located in the town of Châteaubourg, Vitre.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of the church, which dates back to the 13th century. Inside, there are beautiful stained-glass windows and ornate details that are worth exploring.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the ancient frescoes that were discovered during renovations in the 1990s. They are considered to be some of the most significant examples of medieval art in the region.
Insider travel tips: Take the time to explore the charming town of Châteaubourg, as it has many unique shops and restaurants to discover. It’s also worth visiting during the summer months when there are often cultural events and festivals held in the area.
12. Le Jardin Botanique de Haute Bretagne
Le Jardin Botanique de Haute Bretagne is a beautiful botanical garden located in Vitre, France, spread across 25 hectares.
What to see or do: The garden is divided into different themed areas, including the Japanese garden, French garden, Italian garden, and English garden. Visitors can enjoy wandering through the gardens, discovering various plants and trees from around the world.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the rose garden, which features over 1200 different rose varieties. The garden also hosts special events throughout the year, such as a nighttime illuminated garden display during the summer months.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the expansive gardens.
13. Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires
Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires is a museum located in the town of Vitré, France. It showcases the cultural heritage and traditions of Brittany.
What to see or do: The museum features a collection of more than 20,000 objects, including everyday items used by Bretons in the past. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing traditional clothing, religious objects, ceramics, furniture, musical instruments, and agricultural tools.
Don’t miss: Do not miss the display of Breton headdresses and costumes, which are intricately designed and can take up to several weeks to make.
Another highlight is the exhibit on Breton religious traditions, which includes fascinating items such as processional banners and chasubles.
Insider travel tips: – Make sure to take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the exhibits.
14. Le Musée du Pays de Vitré
A history museum showcasing the culture and heritage of Vitré and its surrounding areas.
What to see or do: Explore the various exhibits and displays that cover everything from ancient times to present day. See the permanent collection of paintings, objects, and artifacts that tell the story of Vitré’s rich history.
Watch multimedia presentations that provide a glimpse into the life and times of the people who lived in and around this area.
Don’t miss: The impressive collection of armor and weapons from the 15th to the 18th centuries, which offers a fascinating insight into warfare during this time period.
Also visit the magnificent courtyard and gardens of the museum, which are a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Insider travel tips: If possible, visit the museum on a weekday, as it can get crowded on weekends. Also, consider taking a guided tour, which will provide a more in-depth understanding of the different exhibits and their significance.
If you’re interested in medieval history, make sure to spend plenty of time exploring the armor and weapons exhibits, as they are some of the best in the region.