In medieval times, all cities and most towns were protected by walls or ramparts. With the expansion of cities as a consequence of the agricultural and industrial revolutions, the end of siege warfare, most ramparts were torn down.

Only a dozen cities and towns in France have maintained their complete fortifications. Here are the most attractive ones.

Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, Languedoc-Roussillon

Aigues-Mortes, Languedoc-Roussillon

Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Provins, Île-de-France

Guérande, Pays de la Loire

Saint-Malo, Brittany

Vannes, Brittany