The city has been surrounded by ramparts since the Middle Ages. The ramparts were built from 1100 onwards. The present rampart structure was designed in 1678.... a clay wall with fortified gates, then with moats, walls, corner towers and underground vaults. About 1870, magnificent parks were built on the high verges. In WWI, the ramparts withstood the fiercest shelling. In the covered bunkers, there were sleeping quarters, headquarters and hospitals.
The rampart walls now form a unique walking area around the inner city