Saint John's Gate and the Fortified Walls
(Porte Saint Jean et les Remparts)

These magnificent military constructions were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Set in the middle of the Briard plateau, the towers and walls of Provins protected the prosperous town against the kings of France.

With their bossed masonry, remaining towers such as the Engine Tower (Tour aux engins) and Swine Tower (Tour aux pourceaux) bear witness to the fortified town's importance. The two town gates were built during the reign of Philippe le Bel. The Jouy Gate (porte de Jouy) and Saint John's Gate (porte Saint-Jean) are remarkable examples of 14th century royal gates. The Jouy Gate was restored to its former state in 1994. Restoration work is still in progress on the fortified walls, 2 kilometres of which still exist today. 

The restoration of the ramparts

Since the 70s, the ramparts of Provins have been restoring, phase by phase. The Jouy Gate was restored to its former state in 1994.
This restoration continues in 2007 from the Saint John's Gate to the “Tour aux Pourceaux”. The person in charge is the Architect-in-chief of the Historical Monuments, Jacques Moulin. The building firms and craftsmen on this building site are authorized by the Historical Monuments : builders, stone-cutters, carpenters, roofers, electricians…

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