Vestiges des anciens remparts, Medieval ramparts in Étampes, France
The fortification remnants in Étampes clearly display their medieval structure with a tower-like building called Portereaux, two defensive structures, and preserved stone sections from the 13th century. These different parts show how the defensive work once encircled the town.
This fortification developed in the medieval period to protect Étampes during numerous conflicts that troubled the region. In the 18th century, the moat surrounding the walls vanished and was transformed into a public path.
The fortification reflects how medieval residents organized their defense and daily life around protection. Walking through Étampes, you can see how these walls shaped the layout and movement of the town.
You can best explore the remains on foot through the town center, where the different sections spread across various squares and streets. The area around Place Saint-Gilles offers plenty of parking and serves as a good starting point for a walk along the former fortification.
The former moat that ran around the walls was not simply filled and forgotten, but deliberately transformed into a walking path. This route still follows the earlier line today and shows where the town's protection once began.
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