Under the Counts of Champagne the ramparts were considerably developed, and in the thirteenth century were made to include the lower town. The opening in the wall on the right of the above view leads to a thirteenth century tower. The exit is by the "Trou-au-chat," so called because it was formed during a siege by a "cat" (a form of catapult for throwing heavy stones). The photograph below shows the picturesque view obtained from the interior of the turret. _Take the climbing path amidst the trees towards the top of the hill._ It is a pretty walk, and affords a good opportunity to judge of the solidity of the walls, which are dotted here and there with towers. _The path ends at the Porte de Jouy, where we shall find the car which we left in the lower town, and which has followed the directions on p. 132._ [Illustration: THE RAMPARTS SEEN FROM THE TROU-AU-CHAT] [Illustration: PORTE DE JOUY] La +Porte de Jouy+ (the Jouy Gate) reproduced opposite was constructed in the twelfth century and demolished in the eighteenth, as its keep threatened to fall. It comprised two gates, two portcullises and a drawbridge. A subterranean passage united the two sides; its entrance is still to be seen on the interior of the left hand portion. * * * * * [Illustration: BRÈCHE DES ANGLAIS] Continue the visit of the walls _by the outer "boulevard" which is accessible to motors_. This part of the fortifications is being restored at present. The way leads past the "+Brèche des Anglais+" (the English Breach) (photograph opposite), by which the English are said to have effected an entrance in 1432. The great corner tower, the foremost on the photograph below, is the "+Tour aux Engins+"; it is 65 feet high and its walls are 8 feet thick. [Illustration: THE RAMPARTS] [Illustration: PORTE SAINT-JEAN] _We arrive at the handsome Porte Saint-Jean by which we re-enter Provins._ The +Porte Saint-Jean+ defended the old Paris road. It was built in the twelfth century, strengthened in the thirteenth, and was surmounted by a keep which has since disappeared. A drawbridge, a portcullis, and a double door presented successive obstacles to assailants. The masonry of the walls is worthy of note, the stones being dressed in embossment, that is to say, instead of being flat, they are protruding. This arrangement gave a greater force of resistance. The guard rooms on the ground floor of the two towers communicate with each other by means of a subterranean passage; those of the first floor communicate by means of a gallery. _Re-enter Provins by passing through the gateway and take the Rue Saint-Jean._ La Grange-aux-Dîmes (Tithe Barn) (historical monument) [Illustration: GRANGE-AUX-DÎMES (TITHES)]