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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Porte de Paris is an ancient fortified entrance to the city of Châtillon-sur-Seine, located in Côte-d'Or, in the region Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Built in 1765, it replaces the old door of the Abbey, which became obsolete after the modification of the route of the Grand Chemin de Paris. This large limestone monument consists of a single arch, designed to facilitate the passage of people and vehicles. It marks the urban evolution of the city in the Enlightenment century, while being part of the heritage of medieval fortifications whose origins date back to the twelfth century.

The project chosen was that of Pierre-Joseph Antoine, sub-engineer of the Ponts et Chaussées de Bourgogne, after the rejection of the plans proposed by the local architect Léger. The works, awarded on 20 May 1763 to the entrepreneur Claude Berthelemot, were completed in 1767. In 1837-1838, repairs were needed to remedy water infiltration, as evidenced by the estimate made by architect-geometer Simon Tridon. Although most of the ramparts were dismantled after the Revolution, the Paris Gate, classified as a historic monument since 6 March 1950, remains alongside other remains such as the bastion of the Petit-Haut and the Dijonnaise Gate.

Located at the intersection of the streets of the Abbey and Courcelles-Prevoires, this gate illustrates the adaptation of French cities to the increasing traffic needs of the 18th century. Its sober architecture, typical of the road developments of the period, contrasts with the medieval fortifications it inherits. Today owned by the municipality, it remains a tangible testimony of the urban and military history of Châtillon-sur-Seine, between medieval heritage and modernization of the channels of communication.

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