Enceinte de Philippe Auguste
The Historic Enceinte de Philippe Auguste: A Glimpse into Paris's Past
Old Wall of Paris: A Medieval Fortress
Discover the medieval history of Paris at the Old Wall, a remnant of the city's ancient fortifications from the reign of King Philippe Auguste.
The Old Wall of Paris, also known as the Wall of Philippe Auguste, is the oldest city wall in Paris with a known plan. Built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, it once protected the city from invaders. Today, remnants of the wall can still be seen, offering a glimpse into the city's medieval past.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Old Wall of Paris
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul, Paris, 75004, FR
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Getting There
Public Transport
To reach the Old Wall of Paris near Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul, take the Metro to the Saint-Paul station, which is served by lines 1. From the station, it's a short walk to Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul. A single Metro ticket costs €2.50.
Walking
If you are near the Notre-Dame Cathedral, you can walk to the Old Wall in about 15 minutes. Head south on Rue de la Cité, then continue onto Rue Saint-Antoine until you reach Rue de la Vieille-Druerie. Turn left onto Rue de la Vieille-Druerie, then right onto Rue Clovis, where you will find the Wall.
Taxi
A taxi ride from central Paris to Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul typically costs between €8 and €20, depending on the distance and traffic. Taxi pick-up charge is €4.10, with a mileage rate of €1.10. Keep in mind that booking a taxi in advance may incur an additional charge of €4 to €7.
Local tips
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Explore the longest stretch of the wall along Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul, where you can see a tower and a former city entrance.
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Visit the Rosiers-Joseph Migneret garden to view the remains of a tower and its decorations.
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Look for the remains of a tower in the courtyard of the Crédit Municipal de Paris at 55 Rue des Francs Bourgeois.
Discover more about Old Wall of Paris
The Old Wall of Paris, primarily referring to the Wall of Philippe Auguste, offers a tangible link to the city's medieval past. Constructed between 1190 and 1215 by King Philippe II, also known as Philip Augustus, the wall served as a defensive structure against external threats, particularly during his absence on the Third Crusade. The wall's construction marked a significant turning point in Parisian history, influencing the city's layout and development for centuries to come.Originally, the wall stretched for approximately 5 kilometers, enclosing an area of 253 hectares. It featured towering walls, defensive towers, and fortified gates designed to protect the city and control its growing economy. The wall's impact on the urban landscape was profound, shaping the course of the grand boulevards that replaced it and influencing the location of key landmarks.Today, visitors can explore well-preserved sections of the Old Wall, most notably in the Marais district along Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul, where a significant portion of the wall remains standing. Other remnants and their impact on the Parisian landscape can be discovered in the Latin Quarter. These surviving segments offer a glimpse into the architectural and defensive strategies of the medieval era, allowing visitors to connect with the rich history and resilience of Paris.
A brief summary to Old Wall of Paris
Use Old Wall of Paris as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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