The Entrevaux city wall is punctuated by three gates, a small gate, and two strong bastioned towers suitable for artillery. The main gate is preceded by a bridge crossing the Var and an outward gate or redoubt.
Description
The fortifications of Entrevaux – An impregnable city in the heart of the Alps
Entrevaux, a fortified medieval city, is protected by a remarkable wall, punctuated by three monumental gates, a small gateway, and two bastioned towers. The main entrance, the Porte de France, is defended by a bridge over the Var and an advanced redoubt.
The fortifications, reinforced over the centuries, reached their peak in the 17th century with the interventions of the engineer Niquet and Vauban, who planned to turn it into a veritable citadel. Although not all of his plans were realized, several strategic structures – reinforced walls, an access ramp to the castle, bastions – were built.
After the army left at the beginning of the 20th century, the city was classified as a Historic Monument in 1944. Restoration work began in the 1980s to preserve this military and heritage jewel, which is now open to the public.