Fortifications of Vitré

The Fortifications of Vitré are medieval defensive walls that encircle the old town and contain several towers along with historic gates. The structure consists of stone walls that still rise notably in places and offer different sections for walking and exploration.

Construction began in the 13th century and extended across several periods through the 17th century, with different rulers expanding and adapting the walls. The structure was built according to military standards of its era and reflects the defensive techniques that were effective at that time.

The walls shaped how the town developed and where people built their homes, revealing how defense concerns influenced daily life for centuries. Walking along them today, you notice how tightly the old town clusters inside these boundaries, showing how the fortifications organized the entire community.

You can explore different sections of the walls on foot, though some parts are more accessible than others. Wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven in places and some paths climb steeply.

A tower called Tour des Claviers lay hidden within the fortifications for centuries and was discovered by accident during construction work in 1987. This find shows how many secrets the old walls still held and surprised even local historians.