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Barrage Vauban: Strasbourg's Historic Floodgate

Explore the historic Barrage Vauban in Strasbourg: a 17th-century dam offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's military past.

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The Barrage Vauban, a 17th-century dam and bridge, stands as a testament to Strasbourg's military history. Designed by the renowned military engineer Vauban, it once served as a critical defensive structure, capable of flooding the city to repel invaders. Today, it offers stunning panoramic views and houses sculptures, making it a must-see attraction.

A brief summary to Barrage Vauban

Local tips

  • Visit the rooftop terrace for stunning panoramic views of Petite France and the Strasbourg Cathedral.
  • Explore the interior corridor and lapidarium to see displays of ancient plaster casts and sculptures.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
  • Take a boat tour on the River Ill for a unique perspective of the Barrage Vauban and its architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Barrage Vauban is easily accessible on foot from Strasbourg's city center and the Petite France district. From Place Kléber, walk southwest along the Grand' Rue, then turn left onto Quai de la Petite France. Continue along the quai, and you'll see the Barrage Vauban ahead. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Strasbourg-Ville Railway Station, take tram line A or D towards Rotonde and get off at 'Porte de l'Hôpital'. From there, it's a short walk to the Barrage Vauban. Alternatively, take bus line 10 from Gare Centrale to Hôtel du Département. The barrage is a 3-minute walk from the bus stop. A single tram or bus ticket costs around €2 - €3.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Strasbourg. A taxi ride from Strasbourg-Ville Railway Station to the Barrage Vauban typically takes 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is €6 - €8.

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Discover more about Barrage Vauban

The Barrage Vauban, also known as the Vauban Dam, is a historic bridge, weir, and defensive structure erected in the 17th century on the River Ill in Strasbourg, France. Constructed between 1686 and 1690, this impressive edifice was designed by Jacques Tarade based on the plans of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, a prominent French military engineer. Originally named the Great Lock, it played a crucial role in the city's fortifications. The dam's primary function was defensive: in the event of an attack, it could be used to raise the water level of the River Ill, flooding the surrounding lands south of the city and rendering them impassable to enemies. This strategic measure was famously deployed in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War when Strasbourg was besieged by Prussian forces, resulting in the flooding of the northern part of the Neudorf suburb. The structure itself is a marvel of 17th-century military architecture, constructed from pink Vosges sandstone. It features 13 arches and stretches 120 meters in length. Inside, a corridor connects the two banks of the river, and a lapidarium displays ancient plaster casts and copies of statues and gargoyles from Strasbourg Cathedral and the Palais Rohan. Three of the arches are raised to allow navigation, with drawbridges spanning the corridor. Today, the Barrage Vauban is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a unique blend of history, architecture, and scenic views. The rooftop terrace, rebuilt in 1965-66, provides panoramic vistas of the Ponts Couverts (covered bridges), the Petite France quarter, and the Strasbourg Cathedral. Admission to the barrage and terrace is free, allowing everyone to appreciate this historical monument.

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