The ramparts (fortified walls) of Vannes, Brittany

Vannes – The Ramparts

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:

Roman built ramparts of the city of Vannes in Brittany
Roman built ramparts of the city of Vannes in Brittany

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.

Photo 1Photo 2
Chateau l'Hermine on the ramparts and the public gardens of Vannes in BrittanyChateau 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 BrittanySide view of Chateau l’Hermine on the ramparts and the public gardens of Vannes in Brittany

The gardens including a small river (Le Marle) since the public gardens have been made in the previous moat.

RiverBridgeLocksStablesHouses
Little river running through the gardens of the Vannes ramparts in BrittanyLittle 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 BrittanyBridge 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 BrittanyLocks 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 BrittanyOld 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 VannesHouses and bridge alongside the river at the ramparts of Vannes

Towers

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.

JoliettePrisonConnetableEperon
Joliette Tower alongside the ramparts of Vannes in BrittanyJoliette Tower alongside the ramparts of Vannes in Brittany
The prison tower (next to the prison gate) alongside the ramparts of Vannes in BrittanyThe prison tower (next to the prison gate) alongside the ramparts of Vannes in Brittany
Connetable Tower alongside the Vannes rampartsConnetable Tower alongside the Vannes ramparts
Eperon de la Garenne (Spur of the Garenne) alongside the Vannes rampartEperon de la Garenne (Spur of the Garenne) alongside the Vannes rampart

Gates

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).

PrisonPrison 2Prison 3PoterneSaint-VincentSaint-Vincent 2Saint-Vincent 3CalmontSaint-Jean
Prison Gate (Porte Prison) alongside the ramparts of VannesPrison Gate (Porte Prison) alongside the ramparts of Vannes
Closeup of the Prison Gate (Porte Prison) alongside the ramparts of VannesCloseup of the Prison Gate (Porte Prison) alongside the ramparts of Vannes
Front of the Prison Gate (Porte Prison) alongside the ramparts of VannesFront of the Prison Gate (Porte Prison) alongside the ramparts of Vannes
Poterne Gate, with its bridge alongside the ramparts of VannesPoterne 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 harbourCity 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 harbourHarbour 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 harbourHarbour 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 VannesCalmont Gate with its drawbridge alongside the ramparts of Vannes
Saint-Jean Gate alongside the ramparts of VannesSaint-Jean Gate alongside the ramparts of Vannes

The 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);

Castle/tower in Vannes, Brittany
Castle/tower in Vannes, Brittany

From anywhere along the ramparts walk, you have beautiful views of the rest of the city:

Views of the public garden, walls and churches of the city of Vannes
Views of the public garden, walls and churches of the city of Vannes

Some of the buildings have been kept quite “as was”, making discovering them a pleasure.

Buildings alongside the ramparts of Vannes
Buildings alongside the ramparts of Vannes

And during your walk, you can see some interesting “art” objects

Slingshot art alongside the ramparts of Vannes
Slingshot art alongside the ramparts of Vannes

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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