Arans Gate

On your right, you’ll see the Arans Gate, marking the entrance to the city center. Built in 1551, it was part of the fortifications surrounding the city at the time. Back then, Dole was part of the County of Burgundy and therefore had to protect itself against assailants from the Kingdom of France, who could attempt to conquer it at any moment. This is why the city was long enclosed by colossal fortifications, with four entrances, including this one, which was fortunately spared when the ramparts were demolished in 1688. You see, 10 years earlier, the town had finally fallen into the hands of the King, who annexed it to the Kingdom of France. And so, there was no point in keeping the fortifications, which were torn down by the famous Vauban. So much for the history of this gate, now boasting over 5 centuries of history!