Saint-Pierre gate

The Saint-Pierre gate, a medieval vestige of Nantes

The Nantes audio-guided tour leads you behind the cathedral, before the best-preserved vestige of the medieval era of the city: the Saint-Pierre gate. It once allowed people to cross the ramparts and testifies to the fortified past of the city.

A Gothic gate on ancient foundations

Of Gothic style, the Saint-Pierre gate dates from the fifteenth century and rests on Gallo-Roman foundations. One must imagine it protected by a drawbridge thrown over a wide defensive ditch and flanked by two imposing towers. Its fine dormer windows are explained by the decision of Bishop Guéguen who, at the beginning of the sixteenth century, had the episcopal palace, now vanished, enlarged and a dwelling built above the tower. According to tradition, King Henry IV is said to have entered Nantes through this gate in 1598, to come and sign the famous Edict of Nantes.

What there is to see

The gate still raises its stone silhouette, blending medieval defensive elements and a Renaissance dwelling. It is one of the rare witnesses of the wall that once protected Nantes, and a precious landmark for understanding the extent of the fortified town. Its proximity to the cathedral makes it a natural stop in the discovery of the historic district.

Practical information

The Saint-Pierre gate is at the rear of the cathedral, in the heart of the historic district of Nantes. The monument can be contemplated freely from the public space, at all hours and on the level, along the walk.

When does the Saint-Pierre gate date from?

Of Gothic style, it dates from the fifteenth century and rests on Gallo-Roman foundations; it is the best-preserved vestige of the medieval ramparts of Nantes.

Which king is said to have entered through this gate?

According to tradition, King Henry IV is said to have entered Nantes through the Saint-Pierre gate in 1598, to sign the Edict of Nantes.