The Medieval Ramparts

Here and there, Quimper has gone to great lengths to preserve the precious traces of its evolution over the centuries. Some remnants of the fortified walls that once protected the city from the medieval era still remain. They may be modest and not widely known, but they absolutely deserve to be seen and appreciated. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, Quimper surrounded itself with a defensive wall stretching about 1,500 meters. To the north and east, large moats—some fifteen meters wide—ran along the base of high stone walls equipped with machicolations. This setup made land-based attacks much easier to repel during an age of constant uncertainty. By the mid-15th century, however, the ramparts had lost their strategic value and were no longer maintained. Fortunately, despite that decision, several sections have survived and are still visible today. Beyond the one in front of you, you’ll find other remaining parts scattered around the city—on rue de Juniville, rue des Douves, and near the entrance of La Tour d’Auvergne college. For those curious about Quimper’s medieval past, they’re well worth the detour.