Journées européennes du patrimoine
Les 16 & 17 septembre 2023, les douze fortifications de Vauban inscrites sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO vous proposent de nombreux événements. Découvrez-les vite !
Fortifications of Vauban
Mont-Louis
A mountain citadel ready for use
Located in the eastern Pyrenees at an altitude of 1600 metres, the stronghold of Mont-Louis was built from scratch by Vauban on granite terrain and is perfectly adapted to the geography of the site.
Work started in 1679 and was completed in two years. The fortified ensemble was added as a complement to Villefranche-de-Conflent in securing the route from the Pyrenees.
This ensemble consists of two square structures, in tiers on the slope: a citadel with orillon bastions and demi-lunes (ravelins) and a new town enclosed in the enceinte.
Although it is rare, all the watch towers and drawbridge gates as well as both churches and wells have been preserved intact since the 17th century. The citadel is still used for military purposes today.
Inscribed Property
the citadel and the fortified enclosure of Mont-Louis
Outstanding Universal Value
fortification of the first system adapted to the mountain, integrating a very beautiful set of military buildings
Date of construction
between 1679 and 1681
Altitude
5249 ft
Department
Pyrénées-Orientales
Region
Occitanie
GPS coordinates
42.50751, 2.12238
The fortified enclosure of the fortress of Mont-Louis
The stronghold of Mont-Louis
The fortified enclosure of the Mont-Louis stronghold with, in the foreground, one of the many watchtowers
A shared celebration to celebrate the 15th anniversary of "Fortifications of Vauban" as a World Heritage Site
On July 7th 2023, 15 years to the day after the Fortifications of Vauban were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, the twelve major Vauban sites proudly celebrated this anniversary in ceremonies...
15th anniversary of the inscription of the Vauban Fortifications on the UNESCO World Heritage List
The year 2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the inscription of Vauban's Fortifications on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is an opportunity to celebrate World Heritage and Vauban's work of genius...
Tourist information
Mont-Louis Tourist Office
6 boulevard Vauban
66210 Mont-Louis
Phone number: +33 4 68 04 21 97
otmontlouis@wanadoo.fr
www.mont-louis.net
How to visit / Access
The fortress is freely accessible all year round.
For operational and security reasons, the citadel is only accessible during guided tours.
Ressources
Document