Vitry-Le-François: History and Waterways

Vitry-le-François offers several distinct themes for visitors: the city’s history, routes along canals and the Marne, and green spaces. Historic landmarks range from the Porte du Pont to the Collégiale Notre Dame; there are also walking routes, cycle paths and opportunities for waterside strolls. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus on history, scenery or leisure activities.

History, from walking routes to landmarks

The Parcours de mémoire vitryat consists of two circular routes, 3 and 7 kilometres long, with 47 panels on the history of Vitry-le-François. The city’s historical interpretation trail was installed in September 2023. The different route lengths offer two ways to explore the same subject: the city’s history.

The Porte du Pont is one of the last surviving remains of the fortifications of Vitry-le-François. Shortly before the start of the Second World War, it was dismantled stone by stone and rebuilt in 1985. Its history combines the preservation of a fortification landmark with its later reconstruction.

There is a sundial on the south side of the Collégiale Notre Dame. Inside the church are chapels, altarpieces, paintings and relics. A visit therefore takes in both an architectural detail on the exterior and various features inside the church.

Another place to visit is the Espace Vitry Champagne et Der. This 124 m² museum exhibition space is organised around the four elements: earth, fire, water and air. You can explore it independently, free of charge, on a permanent basis; guided tours are available on request. Vitry-le-François is also the starting point of the tourist route through the Champagne des Coteaux Vitryats.

Canals, cycle paths and waterside routes

Two of the three canals in Vitry-le-François have been developed as Voies vertes. On the Canal latéral à la Marne, the cycle path in Vitry-le-François is the endpoint of the Véloroute 52. The Véloroute 53 follows a different direction: it starts at the Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne and leads towards Langres. The two descriptions distinguish an endpoint from a route that begins in the town.

The waterside routes also offer a useful point of reference when planning your trip: the banks of the canals and the Marne provide opportunities for waterside strolls around Vitry-le-François. At the Port de plaisance, the Capitainerie has a reception point. From there, a Voie verte begins, offering walking or cycling routes along the canal. Depending on the size of the boats, the port can accommodate 10 to 12 boats.

Green spaces and leisure activities

The Arboretum du parc de l’Hôtel de Ville covers more than 2 hectares and features 41 notable trees. Information is provided on a map and through QR codes. The Jardin de l’Hôtel de Ville offers a playground, the Adam & Eve sculpture and an open-air theatre for a family stroll.

The Centre Aquatique La Salamandre offers another way to enjoy your leisure time. It has swimming, play and relaxation pools, a Pentagliss slide and a separate wellness area. In Vitry-le-François, water-based and wellness activities are therefore available as a distinct visitor experience, alongside strolls and cycling routes.

Discover more destinations: Mareuil-Le-Port, Loivre, Reims, Autigny-Le-Grand, Jâlons, Auménancourt, Rieux, Arrigny

For the broader travel overview: Marne.