Vauban Dam

The Vauban Dam, a fortified work of Strasbourg

At the entrance of La Petite France stands the Vauban Dam, an imposing stone work designed to defend Strasbourg. Also called the Great Lock of Fortification, it marks the horizon of the district. The Strasbourg audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this military monument, become a belvedere over the city.

A bridge-lock designed by Vauban

From the attachment of Strasbourg to France, at the end of the seventeenth century, the military engineer Vauban was tasked with perfecting the fortifications of the city. The Vauban Dam, also called the Great Lock of Fortification, is a bridge-lock that allowed, in case of siege, the flooding of the land to the south to block the enemy. It is a major witness of Vauban's military art in Strasbourg.

What to see

Here you discover the imposing stone gallery of the dam, its arches spanning the Ill and, at the top, a panoramic terrace. The monument also houses casts of sculptures. From its heights, the view takes in the covered bridges and La Petite France. It is a major stop, between military history and exceptional panorama.

Practical information

The Vauban Dam lies at the entrance of La Petite France, spanning the Ill, in Strasbourg, reachable on foot. The gallery and the panoramic terrace can be visited; access to the terrace follows its own hours, which vary with the season. It is best to check them before coming to enjoy the view.

Who designed the Vauban Dam of Strasbourg?

The military engineer Vauban, tasked with perfecting the fortifications of Strasbourg after the attachment of the city to France, at the end of the seventeenth century.

What was the Vauban Dam used for?

It was a fortification bridge-lock allowing, in case of siege, the flooding of the land to the south of Strasbourg to block the enemy.