Enceinte de Philippe Auguste, Ile De France Travel Guide

The Enceinte de Philippe Auguste, or Wall of Philip Augustus, stands as a remarkable testament to medieval Paris. Constructed from the late 12th century, beginning in 1190, this defensive structure was commissioned by King Philippe Auguste to protect the city during his absence on the Third Crusade. It represents the oldest city wall in Paris whose layout is known with accuracy.The wall stretched for approximately 5 kilometers, enclosing an area of 253 hectares on both the Right and Left Banks of the Seine. It was built with considerable speed; the right bank was fortified between 1190 and 1209, and the left bank between 1200 and 1215. The wall featured 77 cylindrical towers, each 10 to 12 meters high, positioned roughly 60 meters apart. Higher towers were erected along the Seine to control river traffic.Today, the most substantial vestige of the Enceinte de Philippe Auguste can be found along the Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul in the Marais district. This 120-meter section of the wall offers a glimpse into the structure's original form, with its imposing height and sturdy construction. Though the parapet is missing, the wall still stands 6 to 7 meters high, with a thickness of 3 meters at the base. Other remnants of the wall can be found throughout the 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements, often integrated into later buildings.Visiting the Enceinte de Philippe Auguste provides a unique opportunity to connect with Parisian history and appreciate the city's evolution over the centuries.