Vauban Dam (Barrage Vauban)
At the entrance to Petite France, the Vauban Dam is a fortified bridge and sluice built across the Ill between 1681 and 1688 to Vauban's plans. Designed to flood the southern approaches to the city in case of attack, it now houses a gallery of statues. Its free rooftop terrace gives one of the finest views of the Ponts Couverts and the cathedral.
A weapon made of water
After Strasbourg became part of the French kingdom in 1681, Vauban judged that the Ill, where it enters the city, was a weak point in the defences. The medieval Ponts Couverts could no longer protect the southern flank. His idea: close the sluice gates, raise the river and flood the fields and orchards upstream so that enemy troops would get bogged down. The engineer Jacques Tarade ran the works from his plans. It has also been known as the flour lock and the casemate bridge.
Thirteen arches over 120 metres
At 120 metres long, the dam crosses the Ill on thirteen arches fitted with sluice gates. Its stone bulk, pierced with narrow openings, contrasts with the half-timbered houses of neighbouring Petite France. The structure has been listed as a historic monument since 1971, and the walls of the fortified sluice system were added in 1995. Seen from the quays, it closes off the view along the Ill like a rampart set on the water.
A gallery of statues beneath the vaults
The public passage running through the dam now serves as a gallery, lined with statues and plaster casts of cathedral statues set out in the half-light of the vaults. It is a chance to see up close figures you usually only glimpse by craning your neck at the portals. Walking through takes a few minutes and pairs naturally with the climb to the terrace, then a stroll along the Ill into Petite France.
The terrace facing the Ponts Couverts
Two inner staircases and a lift lead to the roof, laid out as a panoramic terrace. About a hundred metres downstream stand the Ponts Couverts and their square towers, with the rooftops of Petite France behind them and the cathedral spire in the distance. Entry is free, with opening hours that vary by season and run longer in summer. It is especially lovely late in the day, when low sunlight gilds the façades.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Vauban Dam?
On the Ill, at the western tip of the historic centre, just upstream of the Ponts Couverts and Petite France. You can walk there from the cathedral through the old town.
Do you have to pay for the panoramic terrace?
No, the terrace and the inner passage are free. Terrace hours vary by season, so check the City of Strasbourg website before you go, especially in winter when it closes earlier.
What was the Vauban Dam for?
It was a defensive work: closing its gates raised the Ill and flooded the land south of the city to stop an enemy army. It was built between 1681 and 1688 to Vauban's plans.
What can I visit nearby?
The Ponts Couverts are just downstream, and Petite France begins behind them with its half-timbered houses and locks. Carry on to St Thomas' Church and then the cathedral for a walking loop of the historic centre.
Wikimedia Commons — Claude TRUONG-NGOC · Wikimedia Commons — Gzen92
