Remparts Rue Jean Racine, Beauvais

City Walls in Beauvais

Remparts Rue Jean Racine Beauvais
Remparts Rue Jean Racine Beauvais
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chabe01

The Remparts de la Rue Jean Racine are one of the best places to visit in Beauvais for travellers interested in ancient history and urban archaeology. These remnants of the city's Roman walls once protected Caesaromagus from fourth-century invasions, forming a defensive system that originally stretched 1,370 metres and featured an impressive 18 towers. Today, visitors can walk along Rue Jean Racine and admire surviving portions of this remarkable structure, including the well-preserved Aurore and Leuillier towers. With their weathered stone and commanding presence, they are a great place to visit on a walking tour of Beauvais, offering a tangible link to the city's earliest past.

Over the centuries, the remparts adapted to new purposes. During the Middle Ages, they marked the boundaries of the episcopal city-the heart of Beauvais’ religious and political power. After extensive wartime destruction in the twentieth century, excavations revealed the Roman stones once again, enabling historians and archaeologists to better understand their scale, construction, and evolution. Today, the walls remain an evocative blend of Roman engineering and medieval urban memory.

History and Significance of the Remparts de la Rue Jean Racine

The origins of these walls date back to the fourth century, a turbulent era when Roman Gaul faced increasing pressure from external attacks. To protect Caesaromagus-modern Beauvais-engineers constructed a fortified enclosure stretching more than a kilometre and punctuated by 18 semi-circular towers. The walls symbolised both defence and prestige, marking the town as an organised urban centre within the late Roman world.

By the Middle Ages, the remparts no longer served purely military functions. Instead, they became the limits of the episcopal city, housing clerical authorities, administrative centres, and religious institutions. Over time, modifications were made to suit the needs of medieval life, from reinforcing certain sections to repurposing others.

Much of the complex was obscured or altered over later centuries, but after the destruction of World War II, efforts were made to uncover the Roman remains. Archaeological work revealed their impressive scale and preserved several towers that continue to define the area’s historical landscape.

Things to See and Do at the Remparts de la Rue Jean Racine

The Aurore and Leuillier towers are the standout features, both offering clear examples of Roman defensive construction. Their thick walls, rounded forms, and strategic placement illustrate the engineering priorities of late antiquity.

Walking along Rue Jean Racine, visitors can observe how the remparts integrate with later buildings and streets. Informational panels often provide helpful context, explaining the evolution from Roman fortification to medieval boundary marker.

Nearby Rue Philippe de Dreux adds further layers to the experience, with heritage buildings and quiet corners ideal for continuing your exploration of Beauvais’ historic core.

How to Get There

Beauvais is served by Paris-Beauvais Airport, which offers frequent European connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Beauvais on Booking.com.

The remparts are a 10-15 minute walk from Beauvais railway station, with regular services from Paris-Gare du Nord. 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.

Public car parks around the old town give easy walking access to Rue Jean Racine. 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 the Remparts de la Rue Jean Racine

  • Best time to visit the Remparts: Daylight hours for the best visibility of stonework.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
  • Opening hours: Accessible year-round.
  • Official website: https://www.beauvais.fr
  • How long to spend: 15-30 minutes.
  • Accessibility: Pavements are mostly level; some uneven surfaces near the towers.
  • Facilities: Shops and cafés in nearby streets.
  • Photography tip: Capture the curvature of the Aurore Tower from a low angle for dramatic effect.
  • Guided-tours: Available through local tourism services.
  • Nearby food options: Numerous cafés around the cathedral district.

Where to Stay close to the Remparts de la Rue Jean Racine

Several excellent hotels lie within walking distance. Mercure Beauvais Centre Cathédrale offers a refined stay near major landmarks. A central and convenient option is Hotel du Cygne, ideal for exploring on foot. Travellers arriving by air may prefer Ibis Beauvais Aéroport, which provides comfort and ease for early flights.

Is the Remparts Worth Visiting?

Yes - the Remparts de la Rue Jean Racine offer a rare look at Beauvais’ Roman origins, preserved in a quiet corner of the modern city. Their surviving towers, medieval adaptations, and atmospheric setting make them an excellent stop for history lovers and curious walkers.

FAQs for Visiting

Are the walls fully intact?
No, only sections remain, but the towers of Aurore and Leuillier are remarkably well preserved.

Can you climb the towers?
No, they are viewed from the exterior.

Is the site signposted?
Yes, informational plaques help explain the history.

Are the walls far from the cathedral?
No, they are within a short walk.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, though supervision is needed near uneven stonework.

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Visiting Remparts Rue Jean Racine

Address: Rue Jean Racine, Beauvais, France
Beauvais: 0 km

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