The standard entrance fee for Château de Vincennes in 2025 is €13.00 per adult. Reduced tickets, priced at €11.50, are available for visitors over 65, students, and several other categories, while children under 18 can enter free of charge. From October to March, the château is open to visitors between 10:00 and 17:00; from April through September, it remains open until 18:00. Last admission is generally 45 minutes before closing. We visited on 13 February 2025, and these details reflect the situation on that date.
About the Château
Château de Vincennes has its roots in a royal hunting lodge established in the 12th century. Over time, French kings fortified and expanded it, transforming the estate into one of Europe’s most imposing medieval strongholds. The castle’s highlight is its 52-meter-tall keep, considered one of the tallest medieval defense structures in Europe. This keep once housed monarchs and later functioned as a prison, holding notable figures such as the Marquis de Sade. Adjacent to the keep stands the Sainte-Chapelle of Vincennes, constructed in the 14th century and admired for its graceful Gothic architecture.
Chateau de Vincennes in Paris, France
Inside, visitors will find tall, luminous windows that mirror the style of the Sainte-Chapelle in central Paris. We recommend devoting at least two hours to explore both the inner courtyard and each level of the keep, as there are many historical displays that detail the château’s strategic role in French history. We also advise comfortable footwear to navigate the stone pathways and spiral staircases with ease.
Deep Dive into History and Architecture
During the 14th century, King Charles V further fortified Château de Vincennes, making it a preferred royal residence. Walls were reinforced and the keep was expanded to guard against potential invasions. Over the centuries, subsequent monarchs contributed to the château’s architectural evolution, resulting in a complex blend of medieval and Renaissance influences. Restoration efforts in the 19th and 20th centuries ensured that both the keep and the Sainte-Chapelle retained their historical integrity.
Glass stained windows in Sainte-Chapelle – Chateau de Vincennes, Paris, France
Chapel of Chateau de Vincennes
Today, the castle’s interior exhibits highlight its shifting roles across various eras, from royal residence to state prison and finally a preserved monument. We were particularly impressed by the curated collection of royal documents and artifacts, which offers a vivid glimpse into the lives of the château’s former inhabitants. Observing the chapel’s detailed stained-glass windows and marveling at the fortress’s robust outer walls provided a tangible connection to centuries of French royal lineage.
Nearby Highlights
After touring the château, we suggest taking a short walk to the surrounding Parc Floral de Paris or venturing into the expansive Bois de Vincennes, both excellent for a leisurely break amid nature. For dining, L’Amourette is well-known in the neighborhood for its traditional French menu, while several smaller cafés line the Avenue de Paris for those seeking a quicker meal or snack. We recommend browsing local boutiques near the château’s entrance, where you can find regional products and souvenirs to commemorate your visit. Whether enjoying a scenic stroll in the park or sampling French cuisine, these nearby stops complement the historical exploration of Château de Vincennes with a touch of modern Parisian life.