Postern

The gate before you was built into the ramparts in the 19th century. It came to replace an earlier one leading to the Château-Vieux, the Old Castle. Its architecture matches that of the 7 gates that once surrounded this part of town. From here, you have a great view of Bayonne’s ramparts. This iconic city in the French Basque Country has been fortified ever since Roman times due to its strategic location. It’s a mere 30 kilometers from Spain and sits at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers. Its walls were thus constantly reinforced, first by Francis I in the 15th century, then by the famous architect Vauban in the 17th century, who launched a series of major projects to better fortify the city. Throughout its history, Bayonne has withstood a total of 14 sieges! Today, this promenade along the city walls has become a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.