Chateau de Vitre was originally built of wood around the year 1000 AD, on Saint-Croix hill. After it had burned down several times, Baron Robert I finally had it rebuilt in stone at the end of the 11th century.By the first half of the 13th century , Baron Andre III had the chateau rebuilt in its current triangular form.
When the Counts of Leval took over ownership during the 15th century, Guy XII de Leval enlarged the castle/chateau. Later that century (1487), during the ownership of Guy XV de Leval, French troops invaded Vitre and occupied the Chateau (without a fight).
As the plague raged through nearby Rennes during the 16th century, the Parlement of Brittany took refuge from it within the Chateau de Vitre three times (1564, 1582, and 1583). Throughout this same period, as religious persecution rose, the castle served as a Huguenot (French Protestants) stronghold. In 1605, the chateau became the property of the Tremoille family, but was quickly abandoned by the end of the century - resulting in a partial collapse of the castle’s Saint-Laurent tower. During the late 18th century, another fire pretty much destroyed the complex.
Once the 19th century had dawned, a prison was constructed in the northern portion of the residence. Later (1876 - 1877) , it was transformed into military barracks. Towards the end of the 19th century, the town took ownership of the property and began restoration efforts.
Today, Vitre’s Town Hall is located within the old chateau’s walls. Chateau de Vitre became one of the first Medieval castles to be listed as a French Historic Monument (June 1872).
When the Counts of Leval took over ownership during the 15th century, Guy XII de Leval enlarged the castle/chateau. Later that century (1487), during the ownership of Guy XV de Leval, French troops invaded Vitre and occupied the Chateau (without a fight).
As the plague raged through nearby Rennes during the 16th century, the Parlement of Brittany took refuge from it within the Chateau de Vitre three times (1564, 1582, and 1583). Throughout this same period, as religious persecution rose, the castle served as a Huguenot (French Protestants) stronghold. In 1605, the chateau became the property of the Tremoille family, but was quickly abandoned by the end of the century - resulting in a partial collapse of the castle’s Saint-Laurent tower. During the late 18th century, another fire pretty much destroyed the complex.
Once the 19th century had dawned, a prison was constructed in the northern portion of the residence. Later (1876 - 1877) , it was transformed into military barracks. Towards the end of the 19th century, the town took ownership of the property and began restoration efforts.
Today, Vitre’s Town Hall is located within the old chateau’s walls. Chateau de Vitre became one of the first Medieval castles to be listed as a French Historic Monument (June 1872).
While not much of the original construction remains, the Chateau de Vitre’s history dates back over one thousand years.
Imagine passing through this gate during the castle/chateau’s height of existence...
...and into the main courtyard.
While under the ownership of Baron Andre III, the Chateau took on its current triangular shape (as depicted in this model).
This was the main entrance to the castle’s residence.
Only some of the Chateau’s rooms have been restored and open to the public...
...but what is available provides a glimpse into affluent medieval life.
These Polish Canopy beds (known as “ a la Polonaise”) first appeared in the middle of the 18th century.
A view of the town from the upper floors of the Chateau.
Pen and Ink sketch of the Chateau de Vitre as it related to the town itself.
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