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Origin and history

The ramparts of Montferrand were built between the end of the 12th century and the 16th century to defend the Comtal city, rival of Clermont. This 1,773-metre fortification, flanked by 22 towers and four gates, protected the city for nearly five centuries from local conflicts and external incursions. Its trapeze line was the topography of the site, while moat 20-30 metres wide reinforced its defence.

The construction is part of the struggle between the Counts of Auvergne and the Bishop of Clermont. In 1126 or 1127 Montferrand resisted a siege led by King Louis VI, who came to support the bishop against William VI of Auvergne. The defenders took refuge in the castle. In 1388, Perrot le Béarnais managed to enter the city by hiding his men in barrels, exploit remaining exceptional in the history of fortifications.

The enclosure evolved in several phases: a first quasi-circular wall, centred on the present Marcel-Sembat square, was partially destroyed in 1633. At the end of the 12th century, the castle was rebuilt in the style "Philippe Auguste", and the Countess G. (known as "countess Brayère") strengthened the defenses with her son Guillaume VIII. In the mid-14th century, a new enclosure protected urban extensions to the northwest. Between 1491 and 1495, modifications (arase of towers, snails for serpentines) adapted the ramparts to the nascent artillery. In the 16th century, the wall was pushed from 30 to 40 metres, with a last campaign between 1574 and 1577.

The four gates (Bise, Belregard, Hospital, Poterle) were destroyed in the 18th century. Today, there are about 900 meters of ramparts and 13 of the 22 original towers. The ditches, occupied for centuries by houses, revealed remains during excavations. Listed as historical monuments in 2012, fortifications have been restored since 2017. Their representation in the Armorial of Guillaume Revel (15th century) attests to their strategic importance.

The walls, thick from 1.80 to 2 meters, were supported by landfill arches spaced 2 to 3 meters to save materials. The towers, semi-cylindrical or quadrangular, did not overflow into the city. A water door, crossed by a canal fed by the Tiretaine, supplied the city with drinking water. The Bise bridge completed this defensive device, now partially integrated with the urban fabric.

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