Château de Vitré, Medieval castle in Vitré, France
Château de Vitré is a medieval fortress with a triangular layout, featuring thick stone walls, defensive towers, and a dry moat cut into bedrock. The structure sits on a rocky outcrop above the valley, creating a commanding position that was key to its defensive strength.
Baron Robert I built this fortress in stone at the end of the 11th century, replacing an earlier wooden structure. Over the following centuries, it remained an important stronghold for Breton nobility and was continuously reinforced.
The castle displays collections that reveal how Breton nobility lived and governed during the Middle Ages. Walking through the rooms and towers, you can see how medieval families organized their daily lives within these defensive walls.
The fortress is open to visitors most days, and you can walk the ramparts and explore the towers and exhibits inside. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here to fully see the main areas and avoid visiting during peak times if possible.
The fortress served as a refuge for Brittany's Parliament three times between 1564 and 1583 when plague swept through the region. These emergency relocations reveal how crucial this stronghold was as a safe haven for political institutions during crises.
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