Together with five other city gates the Porte des Cordeliers marked the control of entry to and exit from the fortified town of Falaise as from the Middle Ages. Designed as a gatehouse (chatelet) this access point was protected by a flanking tower to the north and was equipped with a portcullis. The present day edifice dates essentially from the 13th century.

The Porte des Cordeliers is also referred as the Porte Ogise or Porte Ogier. It owes its name from les Cordeliers: Franciscan monks from a nearby monastery. In France known as the brothers of the “Order of the Cordeliers”, because of the rope belt (French = corde) they wore around their waists.

The Porte des Cordeliers is the best-preserved city gate in Falaise; the others have been severely damaged or even completely destroyed.