Description:

Introduction

The town of Vire is in the heart of Calvados and the Bocage Normande. The word Bocage comes from an old Norman word meaning wood. This is a region of wooded hillsides, panoramic views, deep valleys with rock-faces, rolling countryside, meadows and meandering streams that feed the river Vire.

The town was originally constructed on a rocky hill protected by the River Vire andwas fortified at the beginning of the 12th century by Henry I of England, Duke of Normandy. Vire prospered from its wool and cloth production.

In 1944, Vire suffered from Allied bombing. It was after the town's reconstruction in the 50's, that the dairy industry was established in the town. Vire also became known for its andouilles, smoked pork chitterling sausages.

The word Vaudeville owes its origins to Vire and the celebrated poet, Olivier Basselin who wrote a work entitled 'the ballad of the "Vaux-de-Vire" (The Dales of the Vire).

Geography

Vire is midway between Mont-Saint-Michel and Caen (60km) and 15 km south of the A84 motorway. The town is on the paris to Granville train line which passes through Argentan.

Economy

The region's agricultural tradition has given rise to a major dairy produce industry: milk, cream, butter and cheese with names such as Elle & Vire and Coeur de Lion. The area is also known for cattle and pig farming and, the abundance of apple trees has enabled the development of cider and calvados production. Vire is also home to the tableware manufacturer, Guy Degrenne.

Commerce

The town has a good range of shops and banks, hotels and places to eat. The main market is held on Fridays with a smaller market on Tuesdays.

Tourism

The town's tourist office is located at Square de la Résistance.

Telephone: 02 31 66 28 50

Although severely damaged by the allied bombing of 6 June 1944, some of the town's historic buildings have survived. These include the Porte-Horloge (clock tower) and the Eglise Notre Dame and the Hôtel-Dieu.

The fortified clock tower in Place du 6 Juin was constructed in the 15th century on top of the older 13th century fortified gate to the town.

The Eglise Notre-Dame started life as a 12th century Romanesque chapel and has been extended in different styles. In the 16th century the flamboyant gothic chancel was added by Merveille of Mont-Saint-Michel. The church was restored in 1948.

The Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires de Vire is housed in the 18th century Hôtel-Dieu (hospital) and has an interesting collection including craftsmans workshops, regional furnishings and regional art. In the former gardens is a granite house, typical of the Bocage. The museum is open all year from 10am to noon and 2pm - 6 pm except Tuesday. Address: place Sainte-Anne. Telephone: 02 31 68 10 49.

The town has a 12th century square Norman keep which towers over the River Vire. The castle played a key role in the Hundred Years War but was razed in 1630 by Richelieu, Cardinal and chief minister to Louis XIII.

Worth a visit

St Louis' chapel, within the walls of the present Vire hospital

The remains of the 12th century Saint Thomas' church

Sporting & Other Activities

The gorges and wooded landscape make Vire an ideal base for walking, horse riding and cycling and the many watercourses provide good opportunities for fishing. For the more adventurous, there is rock climbing or even bungy jumping at the Viaduc de la Souleuvre. The town also has a swimming pool, an 18-hole golf course, a horse racing course, the Hippodrome Robert Auvray which has meetings throughout the year, cinemas, a theatre and a bowling alley.