Vitré

There's still a feel of the Middle Ages about the formidable castle, tightly packed half-timber houses, remaining ramparts, and dark alleyways of Vitré (pronounced vee-tray). Built high above the Vilaine Valley, the medieval walled town that spreads out from the castle's gates, though small, is the best-preserved in Brittany, and utterly beguiling. The Disney-esque castle stands at the west end of town, facing narrow, cobbled streets as picturesque as any in Brittany—Rue Poterie, Rue d'Embas, and Rue Beaudrairie, originally the home of tanners (the name comes from baudoyers, or leather workers).