Chateau of Vincennes
Chateau of Vincennes
4
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Chateau de Vincennes was used as royal residence from the 12th to 18th century and it has preserved its medieval towers, the Sainte-Chapelle and the 14th century keep which is the highest of its kind in Europe. In 1365, Charles V, King of France, transformed the family manor house at Vincennes into a more suitable royal dwelling and built the present keep to house his art collection and manuscripts. From the early 15th century to the 1800s, the keep was used as a prison, a symbol of absolute State power, which saw the imprisonment of famous figures such as Fouquet, the Marquis de Sade, and Mirabeau. After extensive restoration work, the Sainte-Chapelle at the Château de Vincennes has re-opened to the public and visitors can now fully admire its remarkable decorative ensemble. Started in 1379, and based on the model of the royal chapel in the Palais de la Cité in Paris, the Sainte-Chapelle at Vincennes realised the dreams of King Charles V to add a truly exceptional religious edifice to this impressive fortress. Open: > 1st April to 30th September: from 10 a.m. to 6.15 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 8,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 5,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Bercy / Nation
Nestled between the Seine, Bastille, and Père Lachaise lies a peaceful side of town where wide avenues and impressive buildings accompany green spaces and small parks. Landscaped havens are plentiful, from the Bercy Park to La Coulée Verte and most impressively the Bois de Vincennes, which even contains a medieval castle on its doorstep. For an escape from the masses head to this calming neighbourhood where real Parisians make their homes.
How to get there
- Château de Vincennes • 3 min walk
- Vincennes • 5 min walk
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4.0
1,208 reviews
Excellent
529
Very good
495
Average
134
Poor
34
Terrible
16
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Freedomsailors
5 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a great opportunity to spend a morning absorbing medieval history and up to the time Louis XIV moved to Versailles. This would be especially good for trips with kids, but my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about French history as epitomized by this site. The keep and its dungeon was established by Charles V as his residence and he started work on the Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes located adjacent to the chateau. Purchase admission tickets to both and wander around using the audio guide.
The site has been used by the military up to the present and thus has been configured differently from time to time as well as having suffered damage in WWII. However, the chateau and the chapel remain in the form started by Charles the V despite renovations over the centuries.
The Chateau is located exactly at the last station on the Metro Line 1 and we found a very good cafe nearby for lunch afterwards. Next time I would consider packing a lunch and touring the very large recreational park adjacent to the chateau.
The site has been used by the military up to the present and thus has been configured differently from time to time as well as having suffered damage in WWII. However, the chateau and the chapel remain in the form started by Charles the V despite renovations over the centuries.
The Chateau is located exactly at the last station on the Metro Line 1 and we found a very good cafe nearby for lunch afterwards. Next time I would consider packing a lunch and touring the very large recreational park adjacent to the chateau.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miriam S
203 contributions
Dec 2019
Walking across the drawbridge was a walk into the past (but with modern bathrooms and electric lights). We climbed stone steps that have been worn down by countless feet, we studied walls painted by prisoners, and we peered out the windows of a king's study. The chapel is beautiful, with tall stained-glass windows. The courtyard was available for no charge, but we bought tickets so we could go into the chapel and castle, and these tickets were well worth buying. Dress for the weather!
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlmostWinter
Greater Newcastle, Australia22 contributions
Feb 2023
A large old castle in an interesting authentic and unpretentious part of Paris. Easy to get to via the metro stop of the same name. Gate to the castle is just across the street.
Tickets available there also. You can go into the keep (tower) and the rather nice chapel which opens at 2pm for just under 9 euro.
There are a few levels and a wrap around corridor with many photo opportunities and lots of rooms to see, some with decorative ceilings and walls. The steps to the levels are more shallow and wide than some, so not too difficult.
Kings and queens have lived here and it was a prison for a long time too. There is a pretty wide and deep old moat.
The Sainte -Chapelle church here is probably larger than its namesake on Ile de Cite, not as gorgeous of course, but more enjoyable as there are fewer visitors and you just enter easily up some wide steps via the front door. No waiting, no queueing. And it also has nice stained glass windows. The facade has some gargoyles and other interesting motifs.
We spent about two hours overall and saw both the keep and the church in a relaxed fashion.
After that we wandered almost directly over the street from the main gate to a brasserie on a corner that has extended lunch times and ate a lovely lunch at very affordable prices at 3.30pm! They were still almost packed. Very friendly with great food.
Part of the attraction of this castle is where it is and how easy it is to get to, and how enjoyable and relaxed it is to visit.
Tickets available there also. You can go into the keep (tower) and the rather nice chapel which opens at 2pm for just under 9 euro.
There are a few levels and a wrap around corridor with many photo opportunities and lots of rooms to see, some with decorative ceilings and walls. The steps to the levels are more shallow and wide than some, so not too difficult.
Kings and queens have lived here and it was a prison for a long time too. There is a pretty wide and deep old moat.
The Sainte -Chapelle church here is probably larger than its namesake on Ile de Cite, not as gorgeous of course, but more enjoyable as there are fewer visitors and you just enter easily up some wide steps via the front door. No waiting, no queueing. And it also has nice stained glass windows. The facade has some gargoyles and other interesting motifs.
We spent about two hours overall and saw both the keep and the church in a relaxed fashion.
After that we wandered almost directly over the street from the main gate to a brasserie on a corner that has extended lunch times and ate a lovely lunch at very affordable prices at 3.30pm! They were still almost packed. Very friendly with great food.
Part of the attraction of this castle is where it is and how easy it is to get to, and how enjoyable and relaxed it is to visit.
Written 27 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ccsfamily
Geneva, IL320 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
We decided to spend half the day at this lovely understated Chateau. It was only a few more metro stops past the area where we were staying. The metro stop drops you off in front of the Chateau. We arrived a few minutes before they opened. You walk in through the drawbridge and the ticket office/gift shop is in the building to the right. You will need a ticket to get into the main Chateau building and to get into the Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes. We decided to spend a few Euros and get the self audio tour which was definitely worth it! I would highly recommend the audio tour since it was easy to use and provided a detailed description of what was once in then Chateau. Sainte-Chapelle was just beautiful especially with the morning sunshine coming in though the stained glass. There is also a museum of the French military in another building that was quite interesting to walk through. All in all this was an excellent half day excursion without the large crowds. Both couples enjoyed the time we spent there and were happy we decided to visit.
Written 31 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tabascoleathergrain
St Helens, England156 contributions
Nov 2022
One of the lesser visited sites in and around Paris and therefore a peaceful haven which provides an insight into pre-Versailles life for the French kings.
Situated at the end of Metro line 1 in zone 2 and accessible with a standard ticket, the entrance fee is €9.50 allowing access to the Saints-Chapelle church and the Keep. Both are well worth exploring with plenty of detail provided in French and English in each section if you do not wish to hire the audio guide for an additional €3.
Situated at the end of Metro line 1 in zone 2 and accessible with a standard ticket, the entrance fee is €9.50 allowing access to the Saints-Chapelle church and the Keep. Both are well worth exploring with plenty of detail provided in French and English in each section if you do not wish to hire the audio guide for an additional €3.
Written 17 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victorianlad
Melbourne, Australia17,470 contributions
Oct 2022
This castle wasn't as captivating as Chateau de Rambouillet further out of Paris, but Vincennes was super easy to reach by Parisian Metro Line A, with the walk to the castle being a very small distance.
We were there for opening. Surprisingly, there was initially no one waiting, and then two or three turned up. I found this surprising as it was in what in Australia we'd call the inner suburbs - but this is Europe!
It was simple to purchase admission tickets at the gift shop located inside the grounds.
We spent about an hour here, including a visit (as Catholics) to Sainte-Chapelle that was austere inside, though it had copious most attractive stained glass windows.
One could walk around the Castle grounds and its upper walkway. I did not go right to the top.
Even when we departed, there were few visitors, but it was a weekday.
We didn't visit a cafe in the town but there looked to be quite a few across the road from the castle.
We were there for opening. Surprisingly, there was initially no one waiting, and then two or three turned up. I found this surprising as it was in what in Australia we'd call the inner suburbs - but this is Europe!
It was simple to purchase admission tickets at the gift shop located inside the grounds.
We spent about an hour here, including a visit (as Catholics) to Sainte-Chapelle that was austere inside, though it had copious most attractive stained glass windows.
One could walk around the Castle grounds and its upper walkway. I did not go right to the top.
Even when we departed, there were few visitors, but it was a weekday.
We didn't visit a cafe in the town but there looked to be quite a few across the road from the castle.
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andrea f
205 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
On the Internet on their site it was written closing at 18:00, in reality the visits end at 18 but the ticket office at 16:15 already does not give tickets. We arrived at 16:18 the ticket clerk a burly boy about 25 years old in perfect style I dare say Italian sent us back, not because very scrupulous on the job but because fucked up and dissatisfied with his job, you could see it on his face. So it is a castle very little popular with visitors, those few who are there like us are sent back for two minutes. Campa horse with salary comes anyway
Automatically translated
Written 23 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRM
Penetanguishene, Canada116 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
If you are looking for paintings, tapestries, period furniture and interactive exhibits, this is not the place for you. If you are a serious student of medieval history or if you simply enjoy visiting authentic historical sights and allowing your imagination free reign, the Chateau de Vincennes is a must. Imagine Charles V, a scholarly and pious medieval French king, roaming the corridors of the venerable keep while ruling over his vast kingdom. Imagine the richness of the royal treasure housed in a simple room to which only the king held the key. Imagine that important and intriguing historical figures (including Mirabeau and the Marquis de Sade) spent time as prisoners here. The Chateau de Vincennes is special: easily accessible by Metro, refreshingly uncrowded, captivating, vast, somber and thought provoking.
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie B
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Fantastic place, full of history and well set out. Helpful information boards in English too.
The Chapel is worth a visit especially if you can go before the end of August as the have a magnificent installation of an embroidered tree which is quite breathtaking
The Chapel is worth a visit especially if you can go before the end of August as the have a magnificent installation of an embroidered tree which is quite breathtaking
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mathenvacances
Montreuil, France49 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I went to the castle mainly to see the “Tree of Life” exhibition, and I took the opportunity to tour the dungeon as well. The visit is nice, but for my part I did not find it exceptional, especially for the cartels on which I did not find the information very exhaustive. Cultural mediation equipment is installed here and there, to be developed further in my opinion. Also, there is a 2 euro reduction on the adult ticket with the Navigo pass
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trying to figure out some logistics, is there somewhere to check in carry-on luggage for an hour or two while visiting the castle? Nothing valuable, just clothes.
Written 15 March 2020
Not at the. Chateau, but maybe at a train station or airport.
Written 16 March 2020
Hi!
There used to be a big parking lot where a lot of caravans and campers used to stay next to the castle.
Does anyone know if you can still park there? It seems to be "fenced" in recent Google Maps Street View pictures.
Thank you!
Written 14 January 2020
What I can tell you is that I spent 40mn to find a place to park my small car...
Written 14 January 2020
Hello, I noticed that you said the guided tour was not worth the time and money.. But I see online that the only way to get to the upper keeps and see the views from the roof top terraces is with the guided tour... Can you advise? Did you see the upper keep on your tour? is that a different tour? I am assuming there is one guided tour and that is the one you need to see the upper keeps. I am grateful for any info you can give me. Thanks Judy M
Written 14 September 2019
I paid just for the recording device and walked with it to all the locations. I noticed that the audio was exactly what was written at each location. As long as you pay the entry fee you have free access
Written 16 September 2019
O castelo está mobiliado em algum cômodo?
Written 25 May 2018
Is it open Monday April 2 (which I understand is a national holiday)
Written 28 February 2018
Taking the Metro from Bastille Line, is one ticket enough or do I have to buy some extra ticket since the end station is in zone four?
Written 27 November 2017
One ticket is enough because it is on the metro line even thought it is at the end.
Written 27 November 2017
Bonjour peut-on manger sur place ou ramener un pique nique ?
Written 22 October 2017
salve a tutti! qualcuno mi potrebbe gentilmente dire se all'interno del castello c'è un deposito bagagli per due piccole valigie a mano? grazie! Silvia
Written 10 October 2017
Non posso esserne sicuro ma scommetterei di no! Ciao
Written 10 October 2017
buongiorno a tutti! mi sapete dare un indicazione sul tempo di visita del castello? grazie! Silvia
Written 15 July 2017
Ciao, per la visita al castello occorrono dai 30 ai 45 minuti (dipende da quanto ci si sofferma sui particolari). Se vuoi visitare anche la Saint Chapelle (che ti consiglio) occorrono un'altra quindicina di minuti. Spero di non essere arrivato tardi. Buon viaggio.
Written 13 August 2017
¿Aparcar allí sigue siendo gratis? Estamos pensando en ir a París en coche y nos han dicho que dejarlo en el parking del castillo de de Vincennes es gratis, y que desde ahí te puedes mover cómodamente en metro hasta el centro. Alguien que pueda ayudarme?? Gracias! :D
Written 2 April 2017
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