Gallo-Roman walls of Le Mans

The ancient wall stretches for 1300 meters around Le Mans, featuring twelve towers and distinctive geometric patterns made from ochre sandstone and pink mortar.

Built in the early 4th century, the fortification protected Vindinum, capital of the Aulerci Cenomani people, and remained a military structure throughout the Middle Ages.

The polychrome designs adorning the walls earned Le Mans its historical designation as the Red City and represent a singular decorative style in French architecture.

Visitors can access the medieval streets through multiple posterns along the wall, with 500 meters of the original structure remaining in excellent condition.

Scientific studies revealed the wall measures over 4 meters wide at its base, with only the fortifications of Rome and Istanbul surpassing its length among ancient Roman walls.

Location: Le Mans

GPS coordinates: 48.00846,0.19523

Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:42