Porte de la Loi

Historic site and monument

Cours Baron Raverat
38460 Crémieu

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Mentioned as far back as 1400, this gate was one of the main entrances to Crémieu. It used to have a moat in front of it where the River Vaux flowed but only the empty ditches still remain. The wall walk is decorated with protruding stone brackets known as corbels.

This gate, part of the second ring of 14th-century ramparts, underwent a major restoration
which was completed in 2023. It is first mentioned as early as 1400. It is one of the town’s main entrances, given that
Crémieu once had no fewer than eleven city gates. It was originally flanked by a moat through which the
River Vaud flowed. The protruding stones beneath the parapet walk are corbels which were used to support
either an open wooden balcony (hourd) or, more likely, a masonry structure (machicolation). This defensive feature,
which has since disappeared, allowed projectiles to be fired whilst remaining under cover. Access through this gate was
presumably via a drawbridge or a bascule bridge. The hipped roof is covered with lauzes, which
are flat limestone slabs typical of the traditional architecture of the Crémieu region. The
impressive dimensions of this gate were also intended to make a lasting impression and,
why not, to deter potential aggressors.