Fortifications and ramparts to visit Lorraine

"Of all the diamonds in the French crown, the most beautiful is the fortress of the Rhine". Thus spoke Louis XIV of the Place Forte de Neuf-Brisach, a masterpiece of military architecture that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. In the 18th century, Vauban set out to protect the Rhine crossing by creating a perfect octagon with eight bastions, within which the streets intersect at right angles and are organised in a checkerboard pattern. It is a unique site!

On the West side, leaning towards Lorraine, you can find the Porte de France. A military style clearly assumed, it bears witness to the Vauban period as well as the Lobau Barracks, for example. At the victory of Louis XIV, it boasts bas-reliefs and a pediment where the king's crest distinguishes itself: crown and trophies taken to the enemy are represented. The presence of pulleys at the level of the lintel shows that there was a drawbridge at the time.

Located on the east side, the Door of Germany is majestically. Dedicated to Louis XIV, it is surmounted by a pediment adorned with two angels bearing the shield of King Sun, remarkable by the presence of a lily. The victories of Louis XIV are also mentioned on both sides of the door by means of sculpted trophies. Translated from German, it reads: «In memory of Goethe's passage to Phalsbourg on 23 June 1770», on a marble plate.