Donjon du Château de Vincennes, Medieval keep at Château de Vincennes, France
The Donjon of Château de Vincennes is an imposing medieval tower with thick stone walls and four corner towers that reinforce the structure at each side. The interior is organized across multiple levels with rooms, staircases, and openings that show both its defensive function and luxury as a royal castle.
Construction began in 1361 under King Charles V and transformed an original hunting lodge into one of the tallest fortified structures of the Middle Ages. The building remained a center of royal power for centuries and was later used as a prison.
The keep reflects the power of French kings who made their most important decisions here. The medieval rooms show how the royal court functioned and what significance this place held for French rule.
Access is through the main entrance of Château de Vincennes, where visitors can get their bearings and find information. It is important to be prepared for staircases and multiple levels, as the rooms are connected through a vertical stairwell.
The keep served as a state prison and held famous prisoners such as Denis Diderot, whose confinement there shaped his philosophical thinking. This darker past stands in sharp contrast to its earlier role as a seat of royal power and elegance.
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