Poterne du Tricot

The Tricot postern

The Guérande audio-guided tour has you cross the Tricot postern, a small door pierced in the ramparts that allows you to leave the medieval enclosure for a moment.

A discreet door in the ramparts

The postern bears the same name as the neighbouring private mansion and the street to which it leads. Far less imposing than the great gates, a postern once allowed the inhabitants to enter and leave the city discreetly, without being seen by the assailants: this is why these are always small arches pierced in the ramparts. This one was built only in 1854, but a postern probably preceded it. The neighbouring portion of ramparts, called the "courtine des calvaires", was rebuilt after the Revolution with stones from calvaries of the region.

What there is to see

The Tricot postern offers a fine testimony of medieval defensive ingenuity, contrasting with the monumental gates of the city. Crossing it, one reaches the Boulevard du Midi and walks along the courtine des calvaires, whose singular history recalls the trials crossed by the ramparts. A discreet but meaningful passage in the discovery of the fortifications of Guérande.

Practical information

The Tricot postern is pierced in the ramparts of the medieval city of Guérande and leads to the Boulevard du Midi. It can be crossed freely on foot, at all hours and on the level, along the walk beside the ramparts.

What is a postern?

A small door pierced in the ramparts, which allowed the inhabitants to enter and leave the city discreetly without being seen by the assailants.

Why is it called the courtine des calvaires?

Because this portion of ramparts was rebuilt after the Revolution with stones from calvaries of the region.