Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The walls of Pertuis form a fortified enclosure built around the historic centre of this commune of Vaucluse, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Their construction probably dates back to the first half of the 13th century, with a first attestation written in 1242. The enclosure, initially equipped with 4 doors and flanked by at least 5 rectangular towers and 3 round towers, was protected by a ditch and a wall (second wall).

In 1396-1397, the ramparts were enlarged between the castle and the church of Saint-Nicolas, reflecting the urban evolution of Pertuis. At their peak in the 14th century, they had 6 gates and 9 towers, integrating the fortifications of the local castle. A rectangular flanking tower, covered with mâchicoulis and sheltering vaulted rooms in a cradle, remains today as a witness to this defensive system.

Most of the ramparts were destroyed in the 19th century, but the remaining tower was classified as historical monuments by order of 5 April 1930. A southward extension project, envisaged in 1609, never came into being. The current remains, such as the courtine pierced with patted arches and its round path on crows, illustrate medieval military techniques.

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