Porte Prison, Medieval city gate in Vannes, France
The Porte Prison features a round tower with a conical roof connected to a rectangular structure built from solid granite blocks.
During the French Revolution, this thirteenth-century gate transformed into a detention facility, leading to its current name Porte Prison.
The gate represents medieval military architecture with its double drawbridge system, portcullis, and machicolations designed for city defense.
Visitors access the upper levels through a straight staircase on the north side, between the western curtain wall and adjacent building.
The structure contains guard rooms with earthen floors and semicircular vaults, preserving the original medieval interior configuration.
Location: Vannes
Address: Rue de la Prte Prison, 56000 Vannes, France
Phone: +33297016000
Website: https://mairie-vannes.fr/porte-prison
GPS coordinates: 47.65839,-2.75537
Latest update: November 2, 2025 20:40
Vannes is a medieval town in Brittany with fortifications dating from the 13th century, including preserved walls, fortified gates, and towers. Saint-Pierre Cathedral, originally built in the 13th century and later modified, stands in the heart of the old town surrounded by half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. The Musée de la Cohue displays collections of regional art and history, while the Musée d'Histoire et d'Archéologie presents artifacts from Gaulish and Roman periods. The marina connects the town to the Gulf of Morbihan, a protected bay with more than 40 islands. Historic sites include the 14th-century Château de l'Hermine, once a ducal residence, and several religious buildings such as Église Saint-Patern. The Porte Saint-Vincent, a 17th-century city gate, leads to the center with squares like Place Henri IV and Place Gambetta. The Marché des Lices, a weekly market, takes place in the old town. Beyond the walls lie the Marais de Séné nature reserve with salt marshes and birdwatching stations, and Branféré animal park about 12 miles (20 km) away. Conleau beach provides access to the gulf, and boat tours by Vedettes du Golfe depart from the harbor.
Vannes Cathedral
130 m
Rempart
32 m
Darioritum
143 m
Musée de la Cohue
182 m
Prefecture hotel of Morbihan
146 m
Église Saint-Patern de Vannes
151 m
Tour du Connétable de Vannes
225 m
Gardens by the City Walls
207 m
Château de la Motte
188 m
Immeuble Petit-Fers
69 m
Maison de Saint-Vincent
235 m
Hôtel Saint-Georges
219 m
Place Saint-Pierre
171 m
Couvent des Dames de la Retraite
220 m
Pipe organ of Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Vannes
130 m
Maison, 21 rue Saint-Guenhaël
129 m
Maison, 19 rue Saint-Guenhaël
124 m
Maison, 2 rue Émile Burgault à Vannes
186 m
Maison, 2 place Henri IV
179 m
Maison, 29 rue Saint-Guenhaël
148 m
Maison, 23 rue des Halles
235 m
Chapelle Sainte-Catherine de Vannes
154 m
Maison, 31 rue Saint-Guenhaël
154 m
Maison, 25-27 rue Saint-Guenhaël
140 m
Maison, 23 rue Saint-Guenhaël
134 m
Maison, 17 rue Saint-Guenhaël
119 m
Maison, 1 place Henri IV
189 m
Maison, 6 place Henri IV (Vannes)
181 mReviews
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