Avignon’s city walls, their history and the ramparts walk

The city walls still mark the edges of Avignon’s historic centre. This photo report explores their gates and towers, recalls their papal origins and distinguishes the walk beside the walls from access to the ramparts themselves.

Walls built during the Avignon papacy

The city walls surrounding Avignon were erected in the 14th century. Pope Innocent VI began the construction in 1355, when Avignon was seriously threatened by free bands of mercenaries, unemployed during truces between the French and English kings, attracted by the Pope's wealth. The walls were finished 15 years later.

The walls are 4,300 metres long, and were originally 8 meters high, fitted with crenellations and machicolations. The city walls are reinforced by 35 great towers and 50 smaller ones. Seven gates allowed entry into the city; there are now fourteen. Waters from Durance and Sorgue rivers supplied the moat.

The walls had a defensive role against armed bands. They also helped protect the city during some Rhône floods, with gates that could be closed. This historical function should not be understood as a guarantee against flooding today.

Preserving and adapting the city walls

During the 19th century, there were plans to destroy the walls and build a railway in their place. The project was fortunately abandoned, partly thanks to the writer Prosper Mérimée, then curator of historical monuments.

Photos of Avignon's ramparts : slideshow

Walking beside the walls or visiting the ramparts

A walk around the outside of the walls is different from access to the wall walk. The visitor access associated with the Pont d’Avignon concerns a limited section, not a continuous circuit along the top. Check opening arrangements and follow street crossings and signs during an exterior walk.