Prison Gate

The Porte-Prison, a remnant of the medieval ramparts

The Vannes audio-guided tour stops you before the Porte-Prison, a medieval gate of the old town wall that opens before you. Dated to the thirteenth century, it was built on the site of the first Gallo-Roman wall and forms an imposing, well-preserved ensemble.

From Saint-Patern gate to the prison

It was once called the Saint-Paterne gate, before being turned into a prison, hence its present name. It was fitted with a tilting drawbridge and a postern for pedestrians. A second tower once stood on the left side, but it was demolished in the nineteenth century. Only its ground floor remains, supporting the neighbouring house. The gate is a listed historic monument.

What there is to see

Note the machicolations and gun-loops on the side tower, as well as the place where the chains of the old drawbridge were fixed. The cart gateway under a pointed arch and the pedestrian gate testify to the defensive layout of the town. It is one of the finest remnants of the ramparts of Vannes, to be crossed to pass from one quarter to another.

Practical information

The Porte-Prison stands on the edge of the historic centre of Vannes, on the old line of the ramparts. It can be crossed freely at all hours and on the level. The gate can also be viewed from outside to appreciate its defensive architecture.

Why is it called Porte-Prison?

Formerly named the Saint-Paterne gate, it was turned into a prison, which gave it its present name of Porte-Prison.

How old is the gate?

It dates from the thirteenth century and was built on the site of the first Gallo-Roman wall. It is now a listed historic monument.