Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
www.sites-vauban.org

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2008
Size of heritage: 1,153 ha
- Buffer zone: 4,341 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 2,759°
Latitude: 50,283°

Summary

Fortifications of Vauban consists of 12 groups of fortified buildings and sites along the western, northern and eastern borders of France. They represent the finest examples of the work of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707), a military engineer of King Louis XIV. The serial property includes towns built from scratch by Vauban, citadels, urban bastion walls and bastion towers. There are also mountain forts, sea forts, a mountain battery and two mountain communication structures. This property is inscribed as bearing witness to the peak of classic fortifications, typical of western military architecture. Vauban also played a major role in the history of fortification in Europe and on other continents until the mid-19th century.

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Fortifications of Vauban

The Fortifications of Vauban, located in France, are a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses a series of fortified structures designed by the renowned military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban. These fortifications played a crucial role in the defense of France during the 17th and 18th centuries and are considered masterpieces of military architecture.

History

The construction of the fortifications began in the late 17th century under the reign of King Louis XIV, who appointed Vauban as his chief military engineer. Vauban's innovative designs revolutionized the field of fortification, incorporating both practical and aesthetic elements. Over the course of his career, Vauban designed and fortified over 300 sites across France, including cities, ports, and mountain passes.

The Fortifications of Vauban were strategically located along France's borders, protecting key cities and regions from potential invasions. These fortresses were designed to withstand artillery attacks and siege warfare, featuring bastions, moats, and underground tunnels. Vauban's designs also took into account the natural landscape, incorporating hills, rivers, and cliffs to enhance the defensive capabilities of the fortifications.

During the 18th century, the fortifications underwent further expansions and modifications to adapt to changing military strategies and technologies. However, with the advent of modern warfare and the decline of the importance of fortifications, many of Vauban's structures fell into disuse and disrepair.

Current State

Today, the Fortifications of Vauban are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting their historical and architectural significance. The site includes twelve major fortresses spread across France, including the Citadel of Besançon, the Fortifications of Briançon, and the Fort of Saint-Nicolas in Marseille.

Efforts have been made to preserve and restore these fortifications, ensuring their cultural and historical value is safeguarded for future generations. Many of the sites have been transformed into museums, allowing visitors to explore the intricate network of tunnels, barracks, and defensive structures.

The Fortifications of Vauban not only serve as a testament to Vauban's engineering genius but also provide insights into the military strategies and technologies of the time. The sites offer a unique opportunity to understand the challenges faced by past generations in defending their territories.

Furthermore, the fortifications are often surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, adding to their allure. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of mountains, rivers, and valleys while exploring the fortresses.

The Fortifications of Vauban are not only of historical and architectural importance but also contribute to the cultural identity of France. They serve as a reminder of the country's rich military heritage and the ingenuity of its engineers and architects.

Overall, the Fortifications of Vauban are a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the brilliance of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban's military architecture. They provide a glimpse into France's past and offer visitors a chance to appreciate the country's cultural and historical legacy.

Hotels and places to stay

Najeti Hôtel de l'Univers

Address
Distance: 0,8 mi
3 Et 5 Place De La Croix Rouge
62000 Arras
France

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Hôtel Mercure Arras Centre Gare

Address
Distance: 0,9 mi
58 boulevard Carnot
62000 ARRAS
France

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


ibis Arras Centre Les Places

Address
Distance: 1,1 mi
11 rue de Justice Place Ipswich
62000 ARRAS
France

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Holiday Inn Express ARRAS

Address
Distance: 1,0 mi
3 Rue Du Docteur Brassart
62000 ARRAS
France

Time Information

Checkout: 00:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Hôtel Moderne

Address
Distance: 1,1 mi
1 Boulevard Faidherbe
62000 Arras
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Campanile - Arras Saint-Nicolas

Address
Distance: 1,6 mi
Zone D Activite les Alouettes 1 b
62223 St Nicolas
France

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 6:30 - 23:00
Weekend: 7:00 - 23:00


Hôtel Diamant

Address
Distance: 1,0 mi
5 Place Des Heros
62000 Arras
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Hôtel Les Trois Luppars

Address
Distance: 1,2 mi
49 Grand' Place
62000 Arras
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:30 - 22:30
Weekend: 7:30 - 22:30


La Belle Etoile

Address
Distance: 1,9 mi
Za Les Alouettes 1
62223 Saint Nicolas les Arras
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Première Classe Arras – Saint-Laurent-Blangy – Parc Expo

Address
Distance: 1,7 mi
Allee du Velodrome 1
62223 St Laurent Blangy
France

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 6:30 - 21:00 (lunchbreak: 11:00 - 17:00)
Weekend: 7:00 - 21:00 (lunchbreak: 11:00 - 17:00)


Videos from the area

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Published: July 11, 2010
Length: 38:15 min
Rating: 5 of 5
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Thirty Seconds To Mars - Main Square Festival 2013

Published: July 06, 2013
Length: 52:18 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: BrzPauline

Thirty Seconds To Mars - Main Square Festival 2013 (Arras - La citadelle) Passage où Jared Leto parle en Français. Tks you 30STM.

Biffy Clyro - The Captain @MainSquare 2013 Arras

Published: December 28, 2013
Length: 50:57 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Marye Eyramicalement

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