Ramparts of Reims

The Ramparts of Reims are medieval defensive walls that once encircled and protected the city with gates, towers, and stone structures. Today visitors can see preserved sections scattered around the city, particularly near Porte de Mars and in the Butte Saint-Nicaise neighborhood.

The fortifications began with Gallic roots and were later occupied and modified by the Romans before becoming medieval structures. Major expansions happened in the 14th century to accommodate the city's growing population.

The street layout of Reims today still follows the path where these protective walls once stood, reminding visitors how the fortifications shaped the city's growth. People walking through the Boulevard Lundy follow the ancient defensive line without always realizing it.

The ramparts can be explored on foot across several areas, with information panels at preserved sections explaining what you see. Start your visit near Porte de Mars to get a good sense of the different remaining sections and their various states of preservation.

The Butte Saint-Nicaise neighborhood preserves remarkable remnants including the Tour du Puits and a 13th-century gate. These fragments represent some of the last visible traces of the city's original medieval defensive system.