Les Remparts de Beaune

City Walls in Beaune

Remparts De Beaune
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Arnaud 25

Les Remparts de Beaune encircle the historic heart of the town, tracing a defensive line first shaped in the late Roman world. As waves of Alamanni and Frankish invasions shattered the limes Germanicus in the 3rd century, settlements across Gaul raced to protect themselves. Beaune's answer was the Castrum de Beaune, an early fortified enclosure that marked the town's transition from vulnerable outpost to defended refuge. Today, visitors can walk this evocative circuit, discovering centuries of military adaptation woven through medieval towers, Renaissance bastions, and peaceful promenades. Les Remparts de Beaune are one of the top sights in Beaune and a great place to visit on a walking tour of Beaune.

Although only traces of the Roman-era castrum remain, its footprint still shapes the modern street plan. The semi-circular curve of Rue Paradis and Rue Maizières echoes the original 450-metre perimeter, enclosing what was once a two-hectare protected zone. Later centuries layered new defenses upon the old: Burgundian dukes, royal governors, and town leaders all added towers, watchpoints, and artillery-ready bastions. Exploring the walls today lets you read Beaune’s history in stone, from 14th-century vigilance to 17th-century military engineering and 19th-century civic pride.

History and Significance of Les Remparts de Beaune

The story of Beaune's fortifications begins in the crisis-ridden 3rd century. After 259, repeated incursions by the Alamanni and Franks swept across Gaul, prompting settlements to erect defensive castra to protect civilians and resources. Beaune built thick walls 5 metres wide and up to 10 metres tall, reinforced with a dozen towers and several entrance gates. This early castrum provided much-needed security against a turbulent frontier and shaped the town's earliest urban core.

In the Middle Ages, the town continued strengthening its defenses. New towers appeared in the 14th and 15th centuries, including watchtowers, powder storage points, and gatehouses, as Beaune evolved into a prosperous wine-trading centre. The 16th century brought further construction, reflecting advancements in artillery warfare and the need for more robust structures. During the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century, Beaune added powerful bastions that could command the surrounding plains and roads.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, the ramparts gradually lost their military purpose. Many sections were repurposed as promenades, gardens, or civic buildings—transforming once-martial spaces into peaceful public areas. Today, they form a living timeline where remnants of Roman planning, medieval stonework, and early-modern engineering coexist.

Things to See and Do in Les Remparts de Beaune

Walking the circuit reveals a remarkable diversity of structures. Beaune Castle, once admired by the engraver Lallemand, later became part of the wine legacy of Maison Bouchard Père et Fils. The Fox Tower, built in the 15th century with its lava-stone top, witnessed the festive arrival of President Sadi Carnot in 1888, adding layers of civic history to military design.

Nearby, the Saint-Anne Bastion—constructed in 1637—enabled surveillance of the Seurre road, while the Powder Tower recalls the town’s 14th-century preparations for gunpowder defense. The Big Tower and its companion, the Tower of Marbles, offer insight into early-16th-century watch and storage systems, positioned to monitor the approaches to the city.

Other highlights include the Saint-Jacques Washhouse of 1887 beside the Bouzaize river, a favourite of local washerwomen; the Cordeliers Tower from the convent complex; and the Bretonnière Bastion, which once greeted Queen Christina of Sweden in 1656. The Ladies Tower, with 7-metre-thick walls, stands as a monument to the engineering ambitions of the early 16th century.

Toward the north, the Saint-Nicholas Gate reveals both its medieval drawbridge past and its later ceremonial entrance built in 1770. The site of the former Bastion Saint-Nicolas became the Vauxhall ballroom and then the city theatre, blending military history with culture. The Green Theater nearby continues this artistic evolution. Along the route you’ll also encounter the Notre Dame Bastion with its 14th-century tower, the Blondeau Tower with its horseshoe shape and elegant central pillar vault, and peaceful promenades like Square des Lions at the Saint-Martin Bastion, transformed into a public space in 1765.

How to Get There

Beaune is easily accessible from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, which offers extensive European and international routes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Beaune on Booking.com.

The town sits on the main Dijon–Chalon railway corridor, with frequent regional services that make accessing the ramparts straightforward from other Burgundy destinations. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

Drivers arriving via the A6 motorway will find several car parks near the historic centre, allowing easy access to the walls on foot. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Les Remparts de Beaune

  • Best time to visit Les Remparts de Beaune: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and soft light along the walls.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Access to the ramparts is generally free.
  • Opening hours: Open at all times, though certain historic buildings have specific visiting schedules.
  • Official website: https://www.beaune-tourisme.fr
  • How long to spend: Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a full circuit with stops.
  • Accessibility: Parts of the walkway are uneven; some towers are not accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
  • Facilities: Public restrooms and cafés are available within the old town near the walls.
  • Photography tip: The Fox Tower and Ladies Tower photograph beautifully during golden hour.
  • Guided-tours: Tourist office walking tours occasionally include interior access to selected towers.
  • Nearby food options: Beaune’s old town offers restaurants, wine bars, and bakeries minutes from the ramparts.

Where to Stay close to Les Remparts de Beaune

Staying near the ramparts offers the perfect base for exploring Beaune on foot. A characterful and convenient option is Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa Beaune, set just beside the walls and offering elegant rooms in a garden setting. For a charming boutique experience, Hôtel Belle Epoque places you steps from several towers and bastions. Another comfortable choice is Hotel Athanor, located within the old town and ideal for exploring the ramparts circuit.

Is Les Remparts de Beaune Worth Visiting?

Yes — walking the Remparts de Beaune is absolutely worth it. This is one of the best ways to understand the town's long history, from its Roman roots to its Burgundian golden age and beyond. The mix of fortifications, leafy promenades, and historical landmarks creates an immersive route that rewards both casual strollers and passionate history lovers.

FAQs for Visiting

Can you walk the entire circuit of the ramparts?
Most of the circuit is accessible, though a few sections pass through private property or restored areas.

Are the towers open to the public?
Many can only be viewed from outside, but selected towers open during special events or tours.

Does the route have signage?
Yes, interpretive boards appear at major towers and bastions.

Is the route suitable for children?
Yes, though keep an eye on little ones near steep drops or uneven stones.

Is there shade along the way?
Some stretches are shaded by trees, but others are exposed, especially in summer.

Nearby Attractions to Les Remparts de Beaune

  • Hospices de Beaune: The iconic 15th-century hospital with colourful tiled roofs and a world-famous art collection.
  • Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune: Romanesque church featuring medieval tapestries and sculpted capitals.
  • Musée du Vin de Bourgogne: A compact museum exploring Burgundy's winemaking heritage.
  • Parc de la Bouzaize: A peaceful park and lake ideal for relaxation after a long walk.
  • Côte de Beaune Vineyards: Surrounding slopes filled with wineries offering tastings and scenic views.

Features of the City Walls at a Glance

  • Beaune Castle: Commissioned by Louis Henri IV at the request of the Beaunois, Beaune Castle captivated the famous engraver Lallemand, who created a romantic depiction of it. Owned by the Royal Estate until the 18th century, it was sold as National Property during the Revolution to the Morelot-Bouchard family, who recognized its potential for wine cellars. Today, it is home to the prestigious wines of Maison Bouchard Père et Fils.
  • The Fox Tower: Constructed between 1465 and 1477, the Fox Tower features loopholes and is capped with a lava top. It witnessed the triumphant arrival of President Sadi Carnot on October 10, 1888.
  • The Saint-Anne Bastion: Erected during the Thirty Years’ War in 1637, the Saint-Anne Bastion strengthened the city’s eastern defenses, enabling surveillance of the Seurre road and potential threats from the plain.
  • The Powder Tower: This 14th-century watchtower stored materials for making gunpowder, with only its summit visible from the walkway.
  • The Big Tower: One of four towers built in the early 16th century, it features the coat of arms of the governor of Burgundy, La Trémouille, and helped monitor the surrounding plains.
  • The Tower of Marbles: Another 14th-century watchtower, integrated within the Big Tower, where logs used for defense were stored. It overlooks the old postern or Belvent gate.
  • The Washhouse: Constructed in 1887, the Saint-Jacques washhouse sits at the base of the rampart, where the Bouzaize river emerges. It was a favored spot for local washerwomen.
  • The Cordeliers Tower: Built in the early 16th century as part of the Cordeliers convent, the tower’s church was later removed to make space for Rue de l’Hôtel-Dieu.
  • The Bretonnière or Condé Bastion: Named after the governor of Burgundy, the Bretonnière Bastion was built from 1637. It celebrated the solemn entry of Queen Christina of Sweden in 1656.
  • The Ladies Tower: Also originating in the early 16th century, this tower has 7-meter-thick walls and is named after the nuns from the nearby Cistercian abbey of Lieu-Dieu.
  • The Saint Martin Bastion: Constructed in 1637 during the Thirty Years’ War, it was transformed into a promenade in 1765 by Mayor Maufoux and is known as Square des Lions due to the two lion statues guarding it.
  • The Tower of the Girls or The Oratory: Known for its 7-meter-thick walls that withstood new cast iron cannonballs, this site was linked with the local Oratorian college and had a dual reputation linked to its past inhabitants.
  • The Saint Nicholas Gate: This old fortified gate with a drawbridge has seen the arrival of many dignitaries. Since 1770, a newer ceremonial gate built by Mayor Maufoux has welcomed visitors from the north.
  • The Theater – Bastion Saint Nicolas: Built in 1569, this bastion was leveled around 1800 to construct a public ballroom, the Vauxhall. It served until 1860 when it was replaced by a magnificent Italian-style theater.
  • The Green Theater: Concurrent with the Vauxhall’s construction, the city authorized a bathhouse in the ditch of the Comédie rampart on the former Saint-Nicolas bastion site.
  • The Notre Dame Bastion: Built during the Thirty Years’ War in 1637, it includes the small 14th-century Notre Dame tower. A watchtower at the bastion’s tip dominates the moat.
  • The Blondeau Tower: Likely constructed around 1465, the horseshoe-shaped Blondeau Tower features a stunning central pillar vault and was formerly known as the “Tour du Quarreau.”

The Les Remparts de Beaune appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Beaune!

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Visiting Les Remparts de Beaune

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Beaune: 0 km
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