The Ramparts and Fortifications
About The Ramparts and Fortifications
The ramparts of Mont-Saint-Michel wrap around the medieval island village, connecting seven watchtowers through a patrol walkway built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Originally a simple wooden palisade, the fortifications were rebuilt in stone after Breton forces ravaged the island in 1204. The walls proved their worth during the Hundred Years' War, when Mont-Saint-Michel remained the only place in Normandy that English forces never captured despite a 30-year siege. Visitors can walk the chemin de ronde (guard path) for free at any time, bypassing the crowded Grande Rue below. The North Tower offers views of the bay and tidal bore, while the courtyard between the first two gates displays 'Les Michelettes' - two English bombards abandoned after the failed siege of June 17, 1434. The ramparts involve cobblestone stairs and uneven medieval surfaces, making them challenging for visitors with mobility difficulties.
Interesting Facts
The Tour Boucle, built around 1440, was a groundbreaking military innovation. Its 4-meter thick walls featured covered gun batteries with sophisticated ventilation systems to clear gunpowder smoke - a design so advanced that Italian military engineers only developed similar concepts decades later.
The tidal island's geography proved its best defense. English siege equipment and heavy cannons would sink into the soft, shifting sands around the Mont, making sustained bombardment impossible. Soldiers attempting to approach at low tide risked being caught by the rapidly rising waters.
Mont-Saint-Michel's defiance during the Hundred Years' War directly inspired Joan of Arc. The fortress's resistance became a symbol of French determination, and Joan referenced the unconquered Mont when rallying troops to fight the English occupation.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
1 Chemin des Remparts, 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France
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