Rocroi is a star-shaped fortified town. The stronghold was first constructed during the reign of the French king, Henri II, to counter any threat from the Charlemont fortress built by Charles V of Spain. In 1675 the town was remodelled by Vauban. It features an inner fortified defence wall with five different bastions projecting from the wall. There is also an outer wall for both protection and attack. On this outer wall are demilunes, projections at angles to the wall. The Porte de Bourgogne was to the northeast of the wall while the Porte de France lay to the southwest. The main square is the former parade ground and from here, ten radiocentric streets lead straight from the centre to the ramparts. The oldest of the houses bordering the square were built in 1676 while the most recent were rebuilt after the 1871 bombing. What you see here is the horse stable owned by the commanding officer of Rocroi. As you also can see the weather was not very good at the time I took the picture.

Thank you for your comments on my Antwerp posting, Antwerp- Vlaeykensgang