SIROCCO INTERVENTION

For centuries, Vitré lay in the turbulent border zone between Brittany and France and therefore had to be well defended; for this reason, the city's castle is a magnificent textbook example of a mighty medieval castle. Around the year 1000, Baron Riwallon of Vitré built a first wooden motte-and-bailey castle, which burned down several times. Consequently, Baron Robert I built a new stone castle at the end of the 11th century (the Romanesque gatehouse is a remnant of this). In the first half of the 13th century, the castle acquired its triangular shape, and the fortifications around the city were constructed on the orders of Baron André III. After the death of André III, the castle came into the hands of the Counts of Laval, who had it rebuilt and enlarged between 1384 and 1430. Dating from this period are, among other things, the gatehouse with a double drawbridge, the Madeleine Tower, and the Saint-Laurent Tower. The most significant transformation, however, consists of the development from a defensive structure into a comfortable residence, a process that continued into the 16th century. During the second half of the 16th century, the castle was a Protestant stronghold, and in 1589 it withstood a five-month siege. In the 17th century, the castle was abandoned by its owners, the La Trémoille family, and gradually fell into disrepair. In 1795, during the French Revolution, an accidental fire destroyed the lord's residence. At the beginning of the 19th century, a prison was built on the site of the burnt-down residence, which in turn served as a garrison fortress for the 70th Infantry Regiment from 1867 to 1877. In the second half of the 19th century, the state purchased the castle, and it became a historical monument, which was restored starting in 1875 under the direction of the architect Denis Darcy. The castle museum was also established during this period. Today, the town hall of Vitré is located in a building in the northwest corner of the castle. The castle is

Lovely way to spend a good hour or two. Kids enjoyed exploring all the rooms.

For €6 entry and free for kids, you can't go wrong! Partly closed due to renovations, you can still access 75% of the castle. Well maintained and with very good period furniture and paintings, you'll really get a good sense of how the residents lived during medieval times.

The best Chateaux to date that I have visited on this trip to Brittany, France. This is also the best medieval town I have ever seen, even beating the UK one's. So, worth the visit, fully recommended.

Very nice medieval castle and town to visit. Explanation in English on the signs. Tours in French possible.

Beautiful castle in Vitré.... Entrance is 7 euro. Worth it... Do not forget to visit the old centre of Vitré after this visit.

Great Chateau, lots of history set in a fantastic medieval town. Well worth visiting.

This place is super cool. We took a tour and learned all sorts of interesting information. Loved the layers of history. Loved the views... would have liked to see more areas but we understand some are not yet restored and might be unsafe. I would be willing to take the risk, but I know they can't risk it.