Vibraye is a locality of Sarthe, Pays de la Loire region, 16 km south of La Ferte-Bernard, on the borders of Loir-et-Cher.
The vast communal territory (43.6 km²) that crosses Braye, a tributary of the Loir, belongs to the natural region of Perche, with hilly landscapes dotted with groves and forests.
Appeared from the 6th century in the form of a hermitage, Vibraye is the seat in the Middle Ages of a chatellenie (fief whose lord rendered justice) which was erected as a marquisate in 1625.
The prosperity of the city is then linked to the exploitation of its nearby forest and the extraction of iron ores.
An accidental fire that originated in a candle factory destroyed much of the village in 1814, but its strategic location and economic dynamism allowed Vibraye to recover.
With almost 2,600 inhabitants, the small town has preserved, despite the drama of 1814, a certain historical heritage and offers many sports and leisure activities that make it a popular stop for hikers.
In terms of built heritage, if the seigniorial castle in the city center was destroyed during the Revolution and the manor which succeeded him turned into college, it remains some sites of interest.
This is the case of the church of St. John the Baptist, built in the sixteenth century but rebuilt after the fire of 1814. The choir and chapels are original. In the false transept, the berries look old too. From the nineteenth century, date the south aisle and portal, installed in the south center of the nave, facing the square. It is adorned with a neo-Gothic rose window framed by two pinnacles. As for the nave, it is distinguished by its neo-Romanesque elements, including small round arched windows. Finally, the steeple is later. Finally, we will dwell on the stained glass window evoking the Annunciation and the Birth of Christ, which dates from 1937. The glass roof is neo-Gothic style but the stereotyped faces and floral decoration are the sign of an influence of the Art Nouveau.
To the west of the town, in the forest of Vibraye, a mansion was built in 1876 by the descendants of the former lords of the city at a place called Justice because once there were tried and punished and delinquents.
Nearby, there is the Sainte-Anne chapel, built in the seventeenth century to accommodate a statue of the Virgin discovered, according to legend, in the forest, but too heavy to be transported to the parish church.
In terms of the environment, besides the banks of the Braye and the bocage in the north-east of the territory, it is the forest of Vibraye which constitutes the wealth of the city. It is private but crossed by communal roads accessible to tourists and hikers.
In season, the collection of mushrooms is allowed but paying. Information on +33 2 43 93 62 79.
For hikers, 6 thematic circuits to walk, mountain bike or horse were drawn on the town. All have as their starting point the local church. Note that a circuit is devoted to the discovery of biodiversity. In addition, the GR235 crosses the territory. Brochures and information on +33 2 43 60 76 89. You can also join the club's outings by contacting +33 2 43 93 61 51.
For horseback riding, join the equestrian club at +33 2 43 93 60 92.
Sports, again, tennis courts are available (contact +33 2 43 71 98 93), and a mountain bike and mini golf (information +33 2 43 93 60 27).
Open Wednesdays and weekends in June and every day except Tuesdays in July and August, the outdoor swimming pool rue de Wagenfeld makes it possible to reconcile sport and idleness. It has two basins and a solarium. Price: 1.60 and 3 euros. Information on +33 2 43 93 62 48.
In the heart of the forest, the racecourse hosts trotting races on August 15 and the third Sunday in August. It is famous for its green setting and its track lined with century-old oaks... Information on +33 2 43 93 62 79.
Finally, we will not forget the fishing enthusiasts: contact the +33 2 43 71 55 34 to know the developed sites and the regulation.
On the cultural side, the library has a digital space and offers entertainment for children. Information on +33 2 43 71 40 44. As for the Quai des Art, housed in the former hall of the station, it hosts shows, exhibitions and film screenings. Information on +33 2 43 93 60 27.
