Remparts de Montferrand

The Remparts de Montferrand are fortification walls that extend roughly one kilometer around the old town and include a series of thick stone structures with defensive towers at intervals. The construction shows solid medieval building methods designed to create a continuous protective barrier around the settlement.

The ramparts were built beginning in the 12th century to protect the town during conflicts between local counts and rival powers in the region. Over five centuries they served as a defensive barrier and were reinforced and modified as military threats and needs changed.

The fortifications are woven into the neighborhoods where people live, with residents passing by them daily or using the preserved towers as landmarks in their surroundings. The walls form a natural boundary that shapes how the city is organized and reminds everyone of the town's long past.

The walls are accessible on foot, with the most visible sections found along Rue Montplaisir and Rue des Fossés sous la Rodade where the stone structures are clearly exposed. Allow time to walk along the perimeter and view the fortifications from different angles to understand their layout.

Among the four main gates was a water gate through which a canal passed to bring drinking water into the town, making it an essential supply route. This feature shows how defensive needs were balanced with practical requirements for daily life.

Location: Clermont-Ferrand

Address: Montferrand

GPS coordinates: 45.79495,3.11111

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:26