Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Guillaume Gate, also known as the "Door of the High" or "Door of Joan of Arc", is one of the oldest remains of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. His two round towers already existed during the forced stopover of William the Conqueror in 1066, before his departure for the conquest of England. This historic passage earned him his current name, linked to the preparation of the battle of Hastings.

Joan of Arc crossed this door on December 20, 1430, en route to Rouen where she would be judged. This place thus symbolizes two key moments of French history: the Norman conquest of England and the trial of the Pucelle d'Orléans. The towers, with machicoulis and underground prisons, illustrate medieval defensive architecture.

Filed a historic monument in 1907, the William Gate has undergone modifications over the centuries. His drawbridge disappeared in 1614, and an ogival arcade connecting the towers was added in 1785. Today, a slice of courtine remains, while a pink carnation nicknamed "carnation of crusades" grows on its walls in summer, adding a poetic touch to this site full of history.

The monument belongs to the commune and bears witness to the strategic importance of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a harbour town fortified in the Middle Ages. Its remains, including guard corps and prisons, recall its role in defending the Picard coast, between maritime exchanges and historical conflicts.

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