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Abstract: During the 16th century, due to its exceptional demographic growth, the city of Paris expanded beyond her medieval walls, which were, however, still vital for protection from all types of enemies. The article proposes to study how this tension between military defense and urban growth crystallised at the gates of the city and how it actually shaped the experience of Parisians, suburban inhabitants and all the people who wanted to enter the capital city of France. Through official municipal regulations and legal records, gates are a privileged locus to analyse the ordinary practices, representations and interests of various actors. Coming and going into the city was an everyday activity for which special urban social skills, were needed, in particular during the French Wars of Religion, when more strict and formal police procedures were strengthened on the city edges.

Keywords: Paris; Gates; City Edge; Bourgeois Militia; Passport