Les Portes de Bretagne
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The gateway to Brittany
The Portes de Bretagne area lies at the historical crossroads between Brittany, Normandy and Anjou and forms a natural entrance area around the large medieval city of Vitré. Although it was long considered as a defensive zone on the "Marches de Bretagne" (the fortified line between Brittany and the rest of France), trade and commerce also flourished in the area and as a result, thriving cities gradually grew up. The area was also the homeland of Madame de Sévigné and the heritage and treasures of her history are just waiting to be discovered along its shortcuts and trails.
Come and take a look at the four thousand year old megalithic Roche-aux-Fées at Essé, an ancestral site of worship shrouded in popular legend and an important testimony to Neolithic Europe. During the Middle Ages, the "Marches de Bretagne", or Steps of Brittany region was bristling with defensive fortresses constructed by powerful families to defend the Duchy of Brittany. The fortress of Vitré is one such shining example, with its crenellated towers and massive great walls.
In later years, these fortresses developed into beautiful medieval cities such as Vitré, la Guerche-de-Bretagne and Châteaugiron, which is listed as a Small Town with Special Character. Wander around the picturesque small streets and, in Vitré or Châteaugiron for example, enjoy the sight of quaint half-timbered houses rubbing shoulders with the ornate residences built by the overseas merchants and sailcloth (or canvas) producers who settled here in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The region also plays host to superb manor houses nestling in bosky bowers. The Château de Boiscornillé at Val d'Izé, or the Château des Rochers Sévigné, the country home of the famous Marquise, are both open to the public.
A remarkable religious heritage
Enjoy the purity of Roman Art in the churches of Arbrissel and Bréal-sous-Vitré, the radiance of extravagant Gothic art at Balazé, Champeaux, La Guerche-de-Bretagne, Vitré, Louvigné-de-Bais and elsewhere, Byzantine and Neo-Roman influences much cherished during the nineteenth century. Be sure not to miss the "Lutheran" porch at the church of Saint-Marse-de-Bais and the magnificent Lavallois retables (in marble and truffeau, a white limestone from the Loire valley) that decorate churches throughout the region.
Between tradition and culture
Round off your visit with the museums at Essé and Sel-de-Bretagne, both dedicated to Popular Arts and Traditions, and the Louis Raison museum at Domagné, which revolves around the theme of apples, cider and traditional crafts. The Gateway to Brittany is a land of popular beliefs and legends, so do use your stay to enjoy some of the many special events held throughout the year. Occasions such as the Bocage Vitréen festival, the Estivales Guerchaises concerts, the old-style fayre "Il était une fois la Guerche" (Once upon a time in Guerche), the "Etincelles Aquatiques" at Martigné Ferchaud, the contemporary drama festival at the Château de Monbouan, the twilight walk of the Fairies at Essé, or the Winter Solstice celebrations at the megalithic Roche-aux-Fées site, make the area a particularly appealing and friendly destination.
