Vitré

Vitré is a commune in the Ille-et-Vilaine department in the Brittany region of north-western France. It lies to the west of Rennes and serves as the seat of the canton of Vitré within the arrondissement of Fougères-Vitré. The commune is part of the intercommunal structure Vitré Communauté.

Vitré began as a fortress town built by the Lords of Vitré in the 11th and 12th centuries. The Château de Vitré, perched above the old town, remains a dominant landmark. The surrounding historic center is notable for its timber-framed houses and preserved sections of medieval ramparts and gates, which reflect the town’s defensive and commercial past.

Other heritage includes churches and civic monuments within the compact historic core. The town is also known for its traditional quarter with narrow lanes and courtyards.

Today, Vitré functions as a regional commercial and administrative hub for the surrounding countryside. It is connected by road and has a railway station offering regional services.

The residents are known as Vitréens. The town maintains cultural institutions and hosts events that highlight its medieval heritage and regional identity.