Remparts d'Avallon, Medieval defensive wall in Avallon, France

The Remparts d'Avallon are a medieval fortification system built on a promontory above the Cousin Valley, featuring towers, walls, gates, and bastions positioned at different points. The layout takes advantage of the natural slope to create strong defensive positions with varied views across the surrounding landscape.

The fortification system was reinforced during the Hundred Years War when the Dukes of Burgundy, particularly Jean sans Peur and his successor Philippe le Bon, renewed the city defenses. Jean sans Peur commissioned the construction of the Beurdelaine tower in 1404 as part of this broader defensive strategy.

The name Escharguet comes from the Old French escharguetier, meaning to keep watch, and the half-round tower had two storeys for lookouts in times of trouble. In the 18th century it was rented by the town to a cowherd, then a cowherdess; it now belongs to the municipality of Avallon.

The ramparts are scattered vestiges rather than a continuous walkable circuit: six towers and bastions survive, including the Tour du Chapitre, Tour Gaffay, Tour Gaujard, Tour des Vaudois, the Côte-Gally bastion and the Tour de l'Horloge. The town sits on a promontory above the Cousin valley, with slopes of nearly 100 metres, so expect steep streets in the old centre. The three main gates were demolished in 1764 and 1777, so no gate circuit remains.

In 1522, the Escharguet Tower was leased to a private individual tasked with protecting the region from plague epidemics. This unusual use shows how the structure was adapted beyond its original military purpose.