Château de Vincennes, Medieval castle in Vincennes, France
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Location: Vincennes
Inception: 1340
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Part of: Vincennes
Address: Av. de Paris, 94300 Vincennes, France
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00
Phone: +33143281548
Website: http://chateau-vincennes.fr
GPS coordinates: 48.84278,2.43583
Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:42
France's historical architecture documents two millennia of construction, from Roman amphitheaters to modern bridge engineering. The structures demonstrate developments in engineering and architecture across multiple periods. The heritage extends from medieval fortifications like Carcassonne and the Fortress of Salses through Gothic cathedrals such as Notre-Dame de Paris and Amiens Cathedral to Renaissance châteaux including Chambord and Chenonceau. Roman engineering persists in the Pont du Gard and the Arena of Nîmes, while the Papal Palace in Avignon and Sainte-Chapelle illustrate medieval political and religious authority. The Loire Valley châteaux and fortified structures like Bonaguil and Pierrefonds demonstrate defensive architecture and aristocratic living. The 20th century brought new perspectives with Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye, a defining work of modern architecture. The Millau Viaduct represents contemporary engineering achievement. Pilgrimage sites like the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-d'Auray and Mont Saint Michel Abbey combine religious significance with architectural skill. These structures provide insight into French history, construction traditions and technical innovation through the centuries.
The castles surrounding Paris provide insight into several centuries of French history. From medieval fortresses to Renaissance palaces to Napoleonic residences, each structure represents different architectural styles and periods. These buildings served as homes for French kings, emperors and noble families, and today house significant collections of furniture, artworks and historical objects. Many are surrounded by extensive gardens and grounds that are also open to visitors. The collection spans a wide geographic area from Versailles to the Loire Valley, offering destinations that range from half-hour to two-hour drives from Paris. Properties like Versailles and Fontainebleau attract millions of visitors annually, while smaller estates like Château de Breteuil or Château de Condé provide quieter alternatives. Some, like Château de Guédelon, offer unusual perspectives on medieval construction methods, while restored sites such as Château de Pierrefonds demonstrate 19th-century interpretations of medieval architecture.
Fort Neuf de Vincennes
462 m
Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes
67 m
Donjon du Château de Vincennes
87 m
Esplanade Saint-Louis
375 m
Square Carnot
387 m
Square Carnot
396 m
Immeuble, 11 rue de Montreuil, 1 rue Villebois-Mareuil
409 m
Ancien syndicat d'initiative de Vincennes
416 m
Square Félix-Nadar
472 m
Immeuble, 8 rue Robert-Giraudineau
321 m
Maison, 28 rue Louis-Besquel
287 m
Square Alfred-Landucci
482 m
Immeuble, 32 rue Louis-Besquel, 6 avenue des Minimes
308 m
Immeuble, 5 rue Eugénie-Gérard
413 m
Immeuble, 8 rue d'Estienne-d'Orves
427 m
Immeuble, 31 rue Louis-Besquel, 4 avenue des Minimes
294 m
Immeuble, 13 rue de Montreuil, 2 rue Villebois-Mareuil
424 m
Immeuble, 46 avenue du Général-de-Gaulle
234 m
Immeuble, 17 rue de Montreuil, 1 avenue Lamartine
489 m
Immeuble, 5 rue Villebois-Mareuil
425 m
Immeuble, 28 rue de Montreuil
400 m
Immeuble, 12 rue Louis-Besquel
243 m
Maison, 13 rue Eugénie-Gérard
436 m
Maison, 21 rue Louis-Besquel
260 m
Maison, 25 rue Louis-Besquel
272 m
Maison, 26 rue Louis-Besquel
277 m
Cité Lejemptel
394 m
Maisons, 3-5 rue Louis-Besquel
226 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes