A tour of the moat, dotted with explanatory panels, illustrates the main features of the fortifications designed by Vauban, Louis XIV's famous engineer, dotted with the gates of Strasbourg, Basle, Colmar and Belfort (the latter two were by Hardouin-Mansart). Watchtowers, false brays and counterscarps are strewn along the Vosges sandstone ramparts, 4.5m wide at their base and 9m high. Belfort gate houses the Vauban museum and is an excellent place to start the visit.