The ramparts (fortified walls or battlements) of Vannes were constructed in the 3rd century, built on a foundation made by the Romans in the 1st century. It was only in the 15th century that the walls were extended to include new parts of the city by the Duke Jean IV.
Today, even after many centuries, the walls are pretty much intact (also due to the fact that Vannes wasn’t bombed during WWII). Even some part of the original Romans parts still exist:
Public Gardens
A large part of the ramparts has a public garden in front of it, with flower designs, pathways and spectacular views of the fortified walls.
Chateau l’Hermine on the ramparts and the public gardens of Vannes in Brittany
Side view of Chateau l’Hermine on the ramparts and the public gardens of Vannes in BrittanyThe gardens including a small river (Le Marle) since the public gardens have been made in the previous moat.
Little river running through the gardens of the Vannes ramparts in Brittany
Bridge over river stream running through the gardens of the ramparts in Vannes in Brittany
Locks in river stream running through the gardens of the ramparts in Vannes in Brittany
Old wooden houses (stables?) alongside the river stream running through the gardens of the ramparts in Vannes in Brittany
Houses and bridge alongside the river at the ramparts of VannesTowers
As is the norm with ramparts, there are many towers used to defend the city. The towers, where archers would be placed, offered a great view for the defense.
There are currently 8 towers left, 7 towers have disappeared over the centuries.
Joliette Tower alongside the ramparts of Vannes in Brittany
The prison tower (next to the prison gate) alongside the ramparts of Vannes in Brittany
Connetable Tower alongside the Vannes ramparts
Eperon de la Garenne (Spur of the Garenne) alongside the Vannes rampartGates
What use are fortified walls if you can go in or out of the city? That’s why there are gates, 4 are left (and 5 gates have been destroyed over time).
Prison Gate (Porte Prison) alongside the ramparts of Vannes
Closeup of the Prison Gate (Porte Prison) alongside the ramparts of Vannes
Front of the Prison Gate (Porte Prison) alongside the ramparts of Vannes
Poterne Gate, with its bridge alongside the ramparts of Vannes
City side of the Saint-Vincent Gate alongside the ramparts of Vannes, the main gate into the harbour
Harbour side view of the Saint-Vincent Gate alongside the ramparts of Vannes, the main gate into the harbour
Harbour side view of the Saint-Vincent Gate at night alongside the ramparts of Vannes, the main gate into the harbour
Calmont Gate with its drawbridge alongside the ramparts of Vannes
Saint-Jean Gate alongside the ramparts of VannesThe Wall
Walking alongside the wall is interesting. You can clearly see the different stages and centuries the parts of the wall were constructed.
Here’s one tower/castle I have not been able to identify (if you know what this is, leave a comment);
From anywhere along the ramparts walk, you have beautiful views of the rest of the city:
Some of the buildings have been kept quite “as was”, making discovering them a pleasure.
And during your walk, you can see some interesting “art” objects
Conclusion
The ramparts of the city of Vannes are a must-see! The portion that has survived the centuries is well preserved and imposing. Walking through the public gardens alongside the walls (the former moat) will show you how difficult it would have been to invade the city.
For more detailed information about the towers and gates (and other monument), please click here to access the Vannes information site.
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