Vannes City Walls

Vannes, France

In the third century AD, the city of Vannes, called Darioritum, acquires the right to fortify. Thus, west of the Gallo-Roman city, a castrum was built. During the Middle Ages, the castrum becomes the centre of the city. Extended in the 14th century, it is reinforced in the 15th century. Over the following two centuries, the ramparts are modernised with the construction of the Garenne buttress. Several medieval gates has been survived, like Tour du Connétable and Château de l'Hermine (former castle, transformed into a palace in the 17th century). Today there is a nice view from the park Jardins des Remparts to the walls.

Address

Rue du Rempart, Vannes, France

See all sites in Vannes

Details

Founded: 14-15th centuries
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Late Capetians (France)

More Information

structurae.net

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Vannes Cathedral (0,2 km)

Guérande Medieval Town (44 km)
Château de Josselin (36,4 km)
Carnac Stones (25,6 km)
Château de Suscinio (16,1 km)
Belle-Île-en-Mer Citadel (45,4 km)
Locmariaquer Megaliths (17,3 km)
Château de Pontivy (48,6 km)
Kerzerho Megaliths (29,5 km)
Saint-Gildas de Rhuys Abbey (18,5 km)

User Reviews

Ron Ron (32 days ago)
A wonderful place to visit if in this area of France. Combining the old and the new with an elegance and style. Excellent range of shops, restaurants, bars and patisseries within easy walking around the centre.

Fi Zahraei (3 months ago)
There is something very magical about this place. I visited it several times; very peaceful and attractive

Michael Rieveley (12 months ago)
The remparts were the defensive walls that surrounded to old city. Those to the east are still largely intact and would have presented a formidable barrier to any attempted assault. Beneath the walls are pleasant and well maintained gardens to walk through at your leisure as you explore this fascinating old city.

Carl Crocher (13 months ago)
Now one of our favourite places, the town market is something to experience

Rónán Gallagher (2 years ago)
Very impressive medieval structure in Vannes. The town itself is quite picturesque.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright Bela Lindtner

Historic Site of the week

Gravensteen

The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. The name means 'castle of the counts' in Dutch. Arnulf I (918–965), Count of Flanders, was the first to fortify this place, building a medieval bastion on this high sand dune, naturally protected by the river Leie and its marshy banks. This bastion consisted of a central wooden building and several surrounding buildings, also in wood.

In the early 11th century, the wooden building was replaced by a stone residence, consisting of three large halls that made up three storeys, connected by a stone stairwell. The monumental stone staircase, the light openings, the fireplaces built into the walls and the latrines were signs of considerable luxury and comfort in those days. There was probably also a tower.