Soissons Gate

You’ve just crossed Soissons’ Gate, which once was one of the main entranceways to the western part of the medieval city. Built in the early 13th century, it was topped with a guardhouse in 1562. You may have noticed that the rear part, facing the city, has collapsed. Today, this gives us a cross-sectional view, allowing us to understand how the defensive gateway worked, notably its vaulted room that gave access to the portcullis and machicolations. Machicolations are the balconies at the top of defensive towers or castles. A spiral staircase gave access to the different levels, allowing soldiers to climb up to the machicolations under the roofs. A few meters ahead, you’ll come across another surprise; it’s the Eve tower, also known as the leaning tower, because of its significant inclination which became noticeable shortly after it was built. Despite its deterioration, the gate remains a fine example of medieval architecture and is listed as a historical monument.