Vauban fortifications
/ sere-of-rivers - toul
Located at the confluence of the Moselle and Ingressin rivers, Toul has always been a city surrounded by ramparts. With its numerous fortifications that have evolved over time, it is the only city in Lorraine and Meurthe-et-Moselle to have preserved its walls.
The oldest fortifications in Toul date back to the 3rd century . In 1698, the military engineer Vauban designed ramparts there, comprising nine bastions and three gates. From 1874 onwards, the complex was reinforced and enlarged by General Séré de Rivières. Today, visitors can see five gates: the Metz Gate, with its drawbridge system, the only remaining Vauban feature; the Water Gate, built in the 18th century , whose sluice gates allowed the city's water to be drained; the Moselle Gate, rebuilt in 1882 and richly decorated, notably with faux machicolations; the very simple France Gate; and the Joan of Arc Gate, built in 1901.
