In the 10th century, the town of Melle was equipped with a motte and bailey castle strategically located on a rocky headland. Dwellings, the castle chapel and other religious structures grew up in the surrounding area. At the end of the 11th century, a castle was built further away on the current place Bujault. The upper town developed around the large rue, a major commercial area, and built over the old feudal motte.
In the 13th or 14th centuries, a stone wall was constructed to protect the town. It had three gates, to the north, west and east, and was guarded by 13 towers. Right now, you are standing in front of one of the last remaining sections of these ramparts. Facing you is a rectangular tower and, further to the left, a circular tower, which defended the southern part of this wall.
Outside these walls, the city extended into the suburbs, particularly around the Saint-Hilaire and Saint-Pierre churches.