Château de Vincennes, Medieval castle in Vincennes, France
Description
Château de Vincennes is a medieval fortress on the eastern edge of Paris with massive defensive walls, nine towers, and a rectangular layout. The central keep rises above the entire complex and dominates the site with its thick stone walls and multiple levels.
History
Work began in the 14th century under King Philip VI and created a royal residence with fortifications. Later the site was used as a state prison and held numerous prisoners through the 19th century.
Culture
The royal chapel inside the walls displays Gothic craftsmanship through narrow windows and detailed stonework that still draws visitors today. The complex served for centuries as a setting for royal ceremonies and military gatherings, evident in the preserved rooms and coats of arms along the walls.
Practical
Access is through the main gate on the west side, from where visitors explore the complex on foot. The royal apartments and chapel lie within the inner walls and require climbing stone staircases.
Did you know?
The keep reaches a height of 52 meters (171 feet) and stands as the tallest surviving medieval fortified tower in Europe. Its walls measure more than three meters (10 feet) thick at the base, giving the structure exceptional stability.
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Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes
67 m
Donjon du Château de Vincennes
87 m
Esplanade Saint-Louis
375 m
Passage Jean-Bastide
208 mFountain
347 m
Maison, 28 rue Louis-Besquel
287 m
Immeuble, 8 rue Robert-Giraudineau
321 m
Immeuble, 32 rue Louis-Besquel, 6 avenue des Minimes
308 m
Maison, 26 rue Louis-Besquel
277 m
Immeuble, 46 avenue du Général-de-Gaulle
234 m
Immeuble, 31 rue Louis-Besquel, 4 avenue des Minimes
294 m
Maison, 21 rue Louis-Besquel
260 m
Maison, 25 rue Louis-Besquel
272 m
Immeuble, 12 rue Louis-Besquel
243 m
Maisons, 3-5 rue Louis-Besquel
226 m
Passage des Vignerons
293 m
Immeuble, 6 rue Robert-Giraudineau
304 mDADA
333 mFrémeaux & Associés
370 mCharles V
343 mPA_1414
251 mOffice de Tourisme
270 mStatue du Général de Gaulle
163 mStatue de Saint-Louis
234 mStatue, memorial
354 mMonument du Duc d'Enghien
196 mCommemorative plaque, memorial
42 mCannon
165 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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