Access routes to the fort

  The organisation of Caen Castle on a north-south line is a constant feature, despite the presence of the Porte des Champs to the east. Although there was no north access from the 13th to the 19th century, in the 11th century, William the Conqueror’s castle very likely had the entrance on the north side, while the Porte Saint-Pierre opening on the south side is attested from the 12th century.
Today, this north-south line is still the most frequently used, particularly by students, as it offers the shortest route from the university to the town centre.

  While vehicle traffic needs to be restricted within the castle precinct, it remains necessary on occasion to bring in supplies to the different buildings, with access for maintenance and emergency services. Unfortunately, the two gates dating back to mediaeval times (south and east) cannot be adapted for traffic without spoiling them. This need for accessibility thus means that the north entrance has to be kept, but with separate areas for pedestrians and vehicles. Vehicles will take a new contemporary-looking bridge (reversible) to get from the street to the counter-guard, then another bridge of the same type to get to the castle. Meanwhile, pedestrians will be taken round the other side of the counter-guard (to the west) over two light footbridges arched over the double blind arcade that closes the moat at this point. Given however the organisation of the fort, with the keep the final redoubt, this northern access is not a logical one, and the two mediaeval entrances, the Porte Saint-Pierre to the south, and the Porte des Champs to the east, must be preferred for purposes of enhancing the castle and opening it up to tourists.

  The Porte Saint-Pierre as it currently stands is the hybrid result of postwar restoration jobs that have removed the symbolic elements dating from its reconstruction in the early 19th century, such as the columns and pediment. Restoration work on this gate is perfectly well documented, and as the fragments of the frontispice taken down have been preserved, plans can be put forward provided a special study is carried out first.

  On the east side, the Porte des Champs is one of the best-preserved elements of the mediaeval fort, and its restoration in its 15th century layout is desirable along with the parapet walk. This gate should become the main ingress for tourists, with parking corresponding to this activity to be ultimately focussed in this sector.