An effervescent city
As the main town of the Perthois area, Vitry-le-François (15641 inhabitants) is located in the southeast of the département of the Marne, 80 km from Reims, 175 km from Paris, 120 km from Nancy, and 15 km from the Lac du Der en Champagne. As a stopping place for tourists, travellers can branch off from here towards the vineyards, the Argonne area and its forests, or the Lac du Der. Vitry-le-François is situated in the centre of an attractive landscape surrounded by a variety of natural features including the countryside with its small shaded paths during the summer, and brooks, rivers, or lakes simply perfect fishing and watersports activities.
History and change
Following its total destruction by Charles Quint, François I founded Vitry-le-François in 1545. The task of building the new Vitry was given to the Italian architect Marini. During the Second World War, the town was 90% destroyed. As a new and fully rebuilt town, Vitry continues its development even today.
Vitry-le-François is known as the "pink town" due to the pink colour of its pavements.
A remarkable heritage
The classical style is very much in evidence, with the Town Hall, the former Récollets Convent dating from the 17th century, the chapel of Saint-Nicolas du Bas-Village decorated with marine anchors, the Porte du Pont and above all the Collegiate church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption (dating from the 17th and 18th centuries), with its impressive facade and twin towers. This church has been built based on a structure identical to that of the great cathedrals.
Other pictures...
