Construction of the southern wall XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
Integration of the Eperons in the defenses of Laval.
1843
Piercing of the rue des Éperons
Piercing of the rue des Éperons 1843 (≈ 1843)
Destruction of the door, preservation of the tower.
1936
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 1936 (≈ 1936)
Official heritage recognition.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Origin and history
The Belot-Oissel Tower is a vestige of the ramparts of Laval, located in Mayenne in the Pays de la Loire. It is part of the southern wall of the city, built in the 13th century on a rocky site called "les Éperons". This place, high above the rest of the city, offered a strategic advantage for Laval's defence. The Belot-Oysel Gate, now disappeared, was nearby and was condemned after the Hundred Years War, replaced by a protective bastion.
In 1843, the rue des Éperons was pierced, causing the destruction of the Belot-Oysel gate. Only this tower survived, testifying to the old defensive system of the city. It was listed as historic monuments in 1936, recognizing its heritage importance.
The ramparts of Laval, of which this tower is part, illustrate the military history of the city. Their construction in the Middle Ages reflects the protection needs of an expanding city. Today, the Belot-Oissel Tower remains a symbol of the medieval past of Laval, integrated into the urban landscape of the city centre.
The tower is referenced in the Mérimée base, dedicated to the French architectural heritage. It is part of a broader set of historical remains, including the ramparts and downtown Laval, which reflect the urban and military evolution of the region.
