Château de Vincennes

The fortress, with an impressive turret standing 164 ft (50 m) tall, is one of the tallest in Europe. The Château de Vincennes is surrounded by a 3608 ft (1100 m)-long fortified wall with nine towers and is also protected by a moat, 88 ft (27 m) wide.

An Ancient Castle

Like most fortresses, the Château de Vincennes was originally a country house located in a hunting area. It was later remodelled, and various generations of the Royal Family lived in the castle.

Between the sixteenth and 17th century, the fortified tower was converted into a royal prison, where generals, aristocrats, and famous individuals like Diderot, Count of Mirabeau, Fouquet, or the Marquis de Sade were locked away.

Sainte Chapelle

The castle’s Holy Chapel is a reproduction of the Sainte Chapelle located on the Île de la Cité. However, it is a lot more conservative and has no decoration in its interior. Nonetheless, its enormous original stained glass windows are very similar to the ones found in the Sainte Chapelle. 

What to Expect

It's possible to explore much of the fortress, climb the towers, and wander through its rooms. However, it's important to keep in mind that the rooms are practically empty, so you'll need to use your imagination (or the available guides) to picture the furnishings and palatial life of yesteryear.

• Château de Vincennes & Chapel Ticket