Fortifications of Vauban, France

Arras Citadel, France
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Citadelle_Vauban_Arras.jpg
Author: Shaun Dunphy


The Fortifications of Vauban comprise 12 groups of fortifications on the western, northern and eastern borders of France. They were designed by Sébastien Le Prestre, Seigneur de Vauban, who was the military engineer for France under King Louis XIV in the 17th century.

The line of defence erected by Vauban includes towns built from scratch, citadels, urban bastion walls and towers. These structures bear elements of classic fortifications typical of western military architecture of that time. Vauban's fortifications also had a major influence on the design of forts in Europe and other continents right up to the mid 19th century. Fortifications of Vauban was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee which met in Quebec City, Canada, on 2 - 10 July, 2008.

Fort Briançon, by Vauban, in France
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Forte_vauban_a_brian%C3%A7on.JPG
Author: Lillus

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: N 50 16 57 E 2 45 32
Inscription Year: 2008
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: I, II, IV