Sylvante Postern

The Sylvante postern, a vestige of Valence's ramparts

On the Sylvante slope, which links the lower town to the upper town, hides one of the last vestiges of Valence's medieval fortifications: the Sylvante postern. This small discreet gate, integrated into the old ramparts, testifies to the city's defensive past. The Valence audio-guided tour stops here to bring back to life the fortified town of old.

A discreet gate in the ramparts

A postern is a small hidden gate, set into the walls to allow discreet passages. The one on the Sylvante slope linked the lower town to the upper town and completed Valence's defensive system in the Middle Ages. With its watchtowers and its other posterns, it was part of a network of fortifications of which only rare witnesses remain today.

What to see

The postern is discovered while climbing the Sylvante slope, whose steep course recalls the topography of the old town. Modest but authentic, it speaks to lovers of history and heritage. It is a discreet stop that completes the discovery of old Valence, between lanes, stairs and medieval vestiges.

Practical information

The Sylvante postern lies on the Sylvante slope, in the old centre of Valence, reachable on foot. It is an open-air vestige, freely visible from the public space, with no ticket office. As the slope is steep and sometimes cobbled, sturdy shoes are recommended to walk it.

What is a postern?

It is a small discreet gate set into the ramparts; the one on the Sylvante slope linked the lower town to the upper town of Valence in the Middle Ages.

Why is the Sylvante postern important?

It is one of the last vestiges of the medieval fortifications that surrounded Valence, a rare witness of the city's military past.