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Enceinte de Philippe Auguste: A Glimpse into Medieval Paris

Discover the medieval Wall of Philippe Auguste in Paris: a journey back to the city's fortified past. Explore its remains in the Marais district.

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The Enceinte de Philippe Auguste is the remains of a defensive wall built around Paris in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Constructed by King Philippe Auguste, it's the oldest Parisian city wall with a precisely known layout. Today, sections of the wall can still be seen, offering a tangible link to the city's medieval past.

A brief summary to Enceinte de Philippe Auguste

Local tips

  • The best-preserved section of the wall is on Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul in the 4th arrondissement (Le Marais).
  • Look for the stonemason marks on the wall along Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the Marais district, known for its historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Enceinte de Philippe Auguste on Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul is accessible via the Paris Metro. Take Line 1 to Saint-Paul station or Line 7 to Pont Marie station. From either station, it's a short walk to Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul. A single T+ ticket costs €2.50.

  • Walking

    From the Hôtel de Ville, walk east along Rue de Rivoli, then turn right onto Rue des Barres. Continue onto Rue Jean du Bellay, cross Pont Marie, and turn left onto Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville. Turn right onto Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul. The wall will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Paris. A short taxi ride from the Louvre Museum to 21 Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul will cost approximately €8-€12, depending on traffic. Note that booking a taxi in advance may incur an additional charge of €4-€7.

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Discover more about Enceinte de Philippe Auguste

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.

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