Located at the hollow of the deep Têt valley, the "petite villotte" (small town) was dominated on all sides. The medieval walls which stretch along the river were altered by Vauban in 1679.
The entire construction was revised by the engineer to ensure a better defence, and is made up of 3 different structures which mutually cover each other.
The town wall with its medieval towers was strengthened at the weak points and entirely crowned with a roof made from thick flagstones to protect it from enemy fire. The lower front was reinforced by a casemated grotto, the Cova Bastera, connected to the village by an underground stairway. Finally, in 1681, on the only high ground that the attacker could place cannons, Vauban built a fort, Fort Liberia, planned to hold a garrison of 96 soldiers.
Both in the quality of the building materials used and the adaptation to the existing buildings and to the terrain, the city of Villefranche-de-Conflent is a veritable masterpiece of fortification, still remarkably well-preserved today.
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...
The city of Villefranche is freely accessible all year round.
The ramparts are accessible every day from February to December, entrance fee payable.
Fort Liberia is open all year round, with an entrance fee.
YouTube channel of Villefranche-de-Conflent
Remparts de Villefranche-de-Conflent
Phone number: +33 4 68 05 87 05
2 rue Saint Jean
66 500 Villefranche-de-Conflent
Visit the website
The Fort Libéria
Phone number: +33 4 68 96 34 01
www.fort-liberia.com