The new gate known as the ‘François I Gate’

Historic site and monument

Boulevard de la Porte Neuve
38460 Crémieu

Porte Neuve is the name of the gate built into one of the towers of the enclosure wall during the 16th century. This gate can be considered as a symbol of the transition period between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Whilst the Quirieu Gate was being bricked up, the Porte Neuve was constructed in the early 16th century. It was originally an old watchtower that was converted, as evidenced by the splayed corners – that is, the sloping sections within the thickness of the walls – and the old openings visible on the inside. This was to be the last gate to be built. It was also given the name ‘Porte François I’ to commemorate the visits this monarch made to Crémieu during the Italian Wars, as well as during a pilgrimage he undertook to the old chapel at the entrance to the La Balme caves, accompanied by
his mother, Louise of Savoy.

This gate can be seen as a symbol of the transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Indeed, its crown of machicolations – that is, the open balconies high up – is a defensive feature typical of the medieval period. However, below this, in the upper third of the gate, in the centre, you will notice an opening. This is a gun port designed to allow
the passage of a culverin. This feature thus foreshadows the large-scale use of gunpowder and heavy artillery in combat, thereby paving the way for far deadlier battles.