The ramparts, the Saint-Jean's and the Jouy gates.
The two fortified gates have been erected under Philippe le Bel. They are remarkable examples of the royal doors of the 14th century.
The ramparts have been built between the 11th and the 13th centuries. They developed as the town grew, eventually measuring as much as 5 kilometres in length.
These impressive fortifications, over 25 meters tall, were built by Count Thibaut IV of Champagne from 1226 to 1236.
The Count was thinking big, in order to accommodate and protect the citizens and the many merchants that came for the Champagne Fairs!
The builders were able to rely on the Counts’ riches to prove their skills by constructing towers of all possible shapes: round, rectangular, almond-shaped, octagonal, hexagonal, trapezoid, etc.
Today, 1,200 meters of ramparts still encircle the Upper Town.
Like in other towns, the part that was lost served to build or rebuild houses.
In Provins, it is easy to imagine the complete outline of the ramparts thanks to the Allées d’Aligre, where the Provinois enjoy having a walk.
Ce patrimoine unique est restauré depuis les années 70 tranche par tranche.
This unique heritage has been restored by sections since the 1970’s, under the supervision of Jacques Moulin, Chief Architect of the French Historical Monuments, and of the city of Provins, contracting owner.
The companies and craftsmen working on the site have all been certified by the French Historical Monuments: masons, stonecutters, carpenters, roofers, electricians, etc.
When you come to Provins, you can safely access the ramparts through the Porte de Jouy.
You can admire the countryside panorama and realize how effective and majestic the ramparts were.
Free access until the site of The Eagles of the Ramparts show, through the Porte de Jouy.
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