PORTE DE FRANCE

The Porte de France, like the Porte d'Allemagne, dates from 1680 and is in the Vauban military style. "Facing west, the Porte de France, less massive in appearance than the Porte d'Allemagne, is distinguished by its finer and less austere decoration. The bas-relief decoration evokes the victories of Louis XIV. On the pediment, the King's coat of arms is surmounted by a crown and surrounded by flags and cannons taken from the enemy. On the pilasters are armour, shields and various weapons. One notices the mitre which surmounts the forebody as well as the openings at the level of the lintels which reveal the pulleys which served the drawbridge". This site can only be visited from the outside.