Remparts d'Avignon (Walls of Avignon), Avignon

The Walls of Avignon (Les Remparts d'Avignon) are a remarkable series of defensive stone walls encircling the historic city of Avignon in southern France. These fortifications were originally constructed in the 14th century during the Avignon papacy and have undergone various reconstructions and repairs over the centuries, preserving their legacy as a symbol of the city's medieval strength and resilience.

Before the current walls, Avignon was protected by a double set of defensive walls completed in the early 13th century. However, during the Albigensian Crusade, Avignon aligned with Raymond VII, Count of Toulouse, which led to a three-month siege by King Louis VIII of France in 1226. Following its capitulation, the city was compelled to dismantle its fortifications and fill in the moats. Reconstruction efforts began around 1231, though these earlier walls have not survived; their original layout, however, is still reflected in the city’s street plan.

The turning point for Avignon's fortifications came in 1309 when Pope Clement V relocated the papal seat to the city. Under the papacy, Avignon expanded beyond its initial boundaries, and by the 1350s, during the tumultuous period of the Hundred Years' War, the need for enhanced defenses became evident as marauding mercenary bands threatened the town. In 1357, under the direction of Pope Innocent VI, the construction of a new set of city walls commenced to enclose the enlarged city area. This monumental project spanned nearly 20 years.

Today, the walls of Avignon extend for 4.3 kilometers (2.7 miles) and enclose an area of 150 hectares (370 acres). Originally, twelve gates regulated access to the city, but this number was reduced to seven during modifications between 1481 and 1487. Presently, the walls feature 15 vehicular entrances and 11 pedestrian entrances, reflecting the evolving needs of modern urban movement while maintaining their historical grandeur. The Walls of Avignon stand as a testament to the city's rich past, offering a tangible connection to its medieval origins and papal heritage.