Vire

Vire

Travel guide and tourist information

Travel guide and tourist information

Travel Guide > Towns > Lower Normandy > Calvados > Vire

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION CLOSEST TOWNS
TownVireVaudry at 3.4 km (5 min)
Insee code14762Roullours at 4.6 km (6 min)
Postcode14500Saint-Germain-de-Tallevende-la-Lande-Vaumont at 5.4 km (7 min)
Latitude48.8377810Coulonces at 5.6 km (8 min)
Longitude-0.8884820Maisoncelles-la-Jourdan at 6 km (8 min)
AltitudeFrom 85 to 225 metersLa Graverie at 6.8 km (9 min)
Surface22.50 km²Étouvy at 6.8 km (9 min)
Population12385 inhabitantsViessoix at 7.1 km (9 min)
Density577 inhabitants/km²Campagnolles at 7.5 km (10 min)
National labelSaint-Manvieu-Bocage at 8.9 km (11 min)
Chief townCaen (at 64 km, 51 min)Mesnil-Clinchamps at 9.3 km (11 min)
DepartmentCalvadosBurcy at 10.6 km (12 min)
RegionLower NormandySearch another town
LOCATION

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TOWN PRESENTATION

Vire, ancient walled city, built in the 12th century by Henry 1 Beauclerc, Duke of Normandy, son of William the Conqueror. The city was dismantled in 1630 by Richelieu in the 1944 bombings, which structured the fortifications of the medieval town were partially spared and are still visible today in the city rebuilt.

Many specialty foods are like: Andouille Vire handcrafted from pig intestines and smoked over beech wood; the Teurgoule, long rice cooked in milk baked in a clay bowl, not forgetting cider, knob (apple-based aperitif) and calvados.


SIGHTSEEING

Holder Clock: main gateway to the city, it represents the image of the city overcome the two circular towers of the gate, the square tower was raised in the late 15th century to house a clock, restored after 1944.

Dungeon: proudly camped on a rock at the end of a promontory overlooking the Vire, the ruins of the 12th century square tower are still impressive. One of its facades remain with its flat buttresses and three levels with its bays, fireplaces and traces of the defenses.

Church of St. Anne: St. Louis founded the Chapel of St. Anne in front of the Hotel-Dieu, replaced in 1866 by the present church, built in Romanesque Revival style by Canon Robert Norman building on the Saint -Georges-de-Boscherville.

Notre-Dame, the nave and aisles dating from the 13th century, the transepts of the 14th and 15th centuries and the chorus of the first half of the 16th century.

Hotel-Dieu: it was founded by Henry Beauclerc first pilgrims to the attention of the Mont-Saint-Michel before being reformed in 1209 by Hugh de Morville, bishop of Coutances. Hotel-Dieu and its chapel were rebuilt in the 18th century. It now houses the Museum Vire.

The Lock: This impoundment, known as "King's Mill," is known since the 10th century, its presence has contributed to the economic development of the city. Many mills wheat, linen and paper used the driving force Vire and Virenne.

Lake of the Dathée: around the lake (6.1 km), its pedal boats, small boats.

9 hole golf course open all year.

Detailed information
TransportTrain station of Vire
Information pointsTourist Office of Vire
Leisure centresMunicipal Museum of Vire,   Racecourse Robert Auvray
Performance hallsTheatre of the Préau

EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS

Every Friday morning, the market drives the city.

At Ascension Rogation Fair. Carousel, fair and flea market invade the city and give a festive air. The festivities end with a magnificent fireworks display.

In July: Festival Virevolte. Between circus, theater and music but also dance or any other form of artistic expression. These shows are free and last 15 days in July.

In October: Andouille is honored and has its own fair. At nightfall, a device for highlighting the main historic buildings unveils heritage for residents and tourists.


ATTRACTIONS, LEISURES AND ACTIVITES AROUND

An exceptional location: the Viaduct Souleuvre. In 1990 the New Zealander Alan John Hackett has created viaduct Souleuvre the first European site for bungee jumping, which has added over the years the scable. The majestic viaduct, built in 1889 according to plans of Gustave Eiffel, linked by rail to Caen via Granville Vire. Between two steep slopes, foot overpass bathed in the soft Souleuvre and green surrounding grove, which was also a technical feat in itself. It is from one of the piles of the viaduct a bridge was built 140 meters, and a platform to jump to 61 m above the ground.

Horse at Mesnil-Clinchamps and Carville.

RELATED ARTICLES
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Photos of Lower Normandy to view and download
WEATHER
Monday 13 February
Day
Night
Min. 3°C - Max. 5°C
Tuesday 14 February
Day
Night
Min. 3°C - Max. 7°C
Wednesday 15 February
Day
Night
Min. 3°C - Max. 8°C
RESTAURANTS 
Les closeaux phil Hôtel Restaurant  
10
Romagny
The Phil Closeaux. Hotel Bar Restaurant. Lydie and Philippe welcome you warmly to their hotel restaurant.    - We are located between Mortain and St Hilaire du Harcouet. Our choice...
Located 23 km from VireFrom 10 € to 15 € per person 

All restaurants around Vire

BEDS & BREAKFASTS 
Chambres d'hòtes Le Puits    
9.7
Saint-Martin-des-Besaces
Le Puits is a family run Bed & Breakfast in the village of St Martin des Besaces, also offering camping and caravanning. Perfectly situated for exploring the undulating picturesque...
Located 19.1 km from Vire 
La Paix    
8.8
Saint-Germain-du-Crioult
Bed and Breakfast in a lavender farm. We have two exceptional bedrooms with own bathroom with use of the kitchen and lounge. Private entrance. There is a balcony overlooking the lavender...
Located 22 km from Vire60 € the double room 
Le clos des matignon  
Torigni-sur-Vire
Le Clos des Matignon is an old dependency of the officers of the castle of Torigni sur vire now converted into 3 spacious rooms and comfortable. Located in the heart of this small town,...
Located 23 km from VireFrom 100 € to 140 € the double room 

All beds & breakfasts around Vire

VACATION RENTALS 
Gite le moulin de courson
Courson
Mill, completely renovated in granite stone, typical of Normandy, along the 'Senen'. Large capacity, private parking, quiet and serenity in the campaign.
Located 15.1 km from VireFrom 300 € to 470 € per week 
La tourtelière de haut  
9.5
  SPECIAL OFFER
Courson
At 40 minutes from Mont Saint Michel Courson, and between vire granville, in a house of character, we offer lodging 3 ears for 4 peopleTenants are fully independent and have at their...
Located 15.7 km from VireFrom 220 € to 420 € per week 
La Maison du Pêcheur
Villedieu-les-Poêles
Charming and tastefully accommodation in the heart of Normandy, close to Mont Saint-Michel and D-Day Landings; large garden and play area.
Located 25 km from VireFrom 325 € to 515 € per week 

All vacation rentals around Vire

CAMPSITES 
Le Potager 
Sourdeval
Camping municipal quiet and shady, near the city center and near a small pond. All shops nearby.
Located 12.9 km from Vire5.10 € per day 
Camping Le Puits    
9.3
Saint-Martin-des-Besaces
Camping Le Puits is a family run campsite in the village of St Martin des Besaces offering camping / caravanning and Bed & Breakfast. Perfectly situated for exploring the undulating...
Located 19.1 km from Vire 

All campsites around Vire

HOTELS
Campanile Vire     
7.8
Vire
This Campanile hotel is located in the heart of the Bocage Virois, 5 minutes from the centre of Vire. Nearby are the train station and the beaches of La Manche. All guestrooms are spacious,...
Located in VireRoom from 44 €
Hotel De La Poste     
7.1
Mortain
Situated in the town of Mortain, in the heart Grove Normand is the Hotel de la Poste, a charming hotel just opposite the Cathedral Saint Evroult. Available are comfort and classic rooms...
Located 22 km from VireRoom from 42 €
Manoir De L'Acherie     
8.4
Sainte-Cécile
In the heart of Lower-Normandy, this 17th–century Norman manor, now a charming hotel is close to the famous Mont Saint Michel and the beaches of Granville. The Manoir de l’Archerie...
Located 22 km from VireRoom from 61 €

All hotels around Vire

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