Château de Vincennes

Description

Located on the eastern edge of Paris, the Château de Vincennes stands as one of France’s most impressive medieval fortresses. This massive 14th-century castle has watched over Paris for more than 700 years, serving as a royal residence, military stronghold, and even a prison throughout its rich history. What makes this place extra special is that it’s not just another pretty castle – it’s actually the only fortified château near Paris that’s managed to survive mostly intact through the centuries.

Let me tell you, the first time I laid eyes on that 52-meter-high donjon (that’s the keep, for those of us who aren’t castle experts), I was blown away. It’s the tallest medieval fortified structure in Europe, and boy, does it make an impression! The castle complex is absolutely huge, surrounded by a proper moat and defensive walls that stretch for nearly a kilometer.

Key Features

• The magnificent Sainte-Chapelle, a stunning example of French Gothic architecture that rivals its more famous sister chapel in central Paris
• Europe’s tallest medieval donjon, reaching an impressive 52 meters high
• Nine massive defensive towers connected by fortress walls
• A restored royal chapel showcasing incredible stained glass windows
• The King’s and Queen’s pavilions, where French royalty once lived
• Original medieval artifacts and furnishings throughout the castle
• Beautifully preserved state rooms that showcase royal life
• An authentic moat system that encircles the entire fortress
• Historical prison cells that once held famous figures like the Marquis de Sade
• Extensive royal apartments showing the evolution of French architectural styles

Best Time to Visit

Spring and early fall are absolutely perfect for exploring Château de Vincennes. The weather’s just right – not too hot, not too cold – and the surrounding Vincennes forest shows off its best colors. I’d suggest getting there right when it opens, around 10 AM, to avoid the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings are especially peaceful, and you’ll have more space to yourself to really soak in all that medieval atmosphere.

Summer can get pretty busy (and sometimes uncomfortably warm inside those thick stone walls), while winter visits might mean limited access to some areas. But honestly? The castle’s got this magical quality in winter, especially when there’s a light dusting of snow on those massive towers.

How to Get There

Getting to Château de Vincennes is actually super easy – it’s right at the end of Metro Line 1 (the yellow line), at the Château de Vincennes station. You literally can’t miss it when you come up from the metro – the castle’s massive walls are right there! The RER A also stops nearby at Vincennes station, and there are several bus lines that’ll drop you practically at the castle gates.

I always recommend taking the metro though – it’s the most straightforward option and you won’t have to worry about parking. Plus, Line 1 runs through the heart of Paris, so you can easily combine your castle visit with other sightseeing.

Tips for Visiting

Look, I’ve been here multiple times, and I’ve picked up some handy tricks along the way. First off, [the guided tours run about 1.5 to 2 hours](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g790302-d194189-Reviews-Chateau_De_Vincennes-Vincennes_Val_de_Marne_Ile_de_France.html) and they’re totally worth it. The guides really know their stuff and bring all that history to life.

[Grab an audio guide](https://www.chateau-de-vincennes.fr/en/visit/visits-and-activities) if you prefer going at your own pace – they’re available in several languages and really help you understand what you’re looking at. Oh, and wear comfortable shoes! There are lots of stairs to climb, especially if you want to check out the donjon (which you absolutely should).

The castle can get chilly even in summer (those thick stone walls, you know?), so bring a light jacket. And don’t forget your camera – the views from the top of the donjon are incredible, especially on a clear day when you can see the Paris skyline.

If you’re bringing kids, they’ll love exploring the moat and pretending to be medieval knights. The castle actually makes for a great family outing – [there’s plenty of space for them to run around](https://thriftytravelmama.wordpress.com/2014/02/20/peaceful-paris-a-morning-at-chateau-de-vincennes-with-kids/) and lots of interesting nooks and crannies to discover.

Before heading out, check their website for current opening hours and any special exhibitions. Sometimes they have really cool medieval festivals or historical reenactments that can make your visit even more special. And if you’ve got time, pack a picnic to enjoy in the adjacent Vincennes forest after your visit – it’s what I always do!

One last thing – don’t rush through. This place has seen centuries of French history unfold, and every corner has a story to tell. Take your time, soak it all in, and imagine all the kings, queens, and countless others who’ve walked these same stone corridors before you.

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