Vincennes Castle The medieval charm of eastern Paris

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The Vincennes Castle offers flexible visiting hours, affordable rates, and gives visitors the opportunity to discover the medieval architecture and royal history of the Paris region.

Where is the Château de Vincennes located?

The Vincennes Castle is one of the oldest French royal castles.

Located on Avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes, in the east of Paris, the Vincennes Castle is easily accessible by public transportation.

Its strategic location makes it an ideal point of interest for visitors wishing to discover the medieval history of the Paris region.

Schedules and practical information for the Château de Vincennes

Discover the opening hours of the Château de Vincennes to plan your visit with peace of mind:

  • From May 21 to September 22: 10 AM - 6 PM
  • From September 23 to May 20: 10 AM - 5 PM
  • Total closure of the monument on January 1, May 1, and December 25
  • Early closure on January 21 at 3 PM and January 22 at 1 PM (except for groups with reservations)

Be sure to check the hours on the official website of the château for seasonal changes.

Vincennes Castle: prices

Here are the fees for visiting the Château de Vincennes:

  • Individual ticket: €13
  • Special rate (partnerships): €11.50
  • Free admission: Under 18 years old (children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult), 18-25 years old (nationals from EU countries and regular non-European residents in France), persons holding a disability card and their accompanying person, job seekers (upon presentation of a certificate dated within the last 6 months), Education Pass (valid), and the first Sundays of the month from November to March.

Entrance fees and ticketing information may vary, so it is recommended to check this information on the official website before your visit.

Go to the Château de Vincennes

To reach the Château de Vincennes, you can use public transport such as the metro, bus, or RER. Entry to and exit from the château is only through the Tour du Village, located on Avenue de Paris. The gates near the Parc Floral are closed.

Here are some access options:

Don't forget to check the schedules and routes on the official public transport websites to plan your visit with peace of mind.

Tips for visiting the Château de Vincennes

Before heading to the Château de Vincennes, here are some practical tips to help you prepare for your visit:

  • Allow enough time to explore the castle and its surroundings. A complete visit can take several hours, depending on your interests.
  • The castle is open all year round, but it may be more enjoyable to visit during less crowded months to avoid the crowds.
  • Make sure to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the day's weather conditions. Some parts of the castle are outdoors, so consider bringing an umbrella or sunscreen if needed.
  • If you want additional information about the history of the castle, feel free to rent an audio guide available on site.
  • To make your visit easier, check the map provided at the entrance indicating the different areas of the castle you can explore.
Also, don't hesitate to visit the official website of the Château de Vincennes to get the latest information on opening hours and any other practical details before your visit.

Routes to the Château de Vincennes

To reach the Château de Vincennes without using public transportation, several interesting routes are available to you.

If you prefer walking, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll from the city center by following the signs towards the east.

Another option would be to rent a bike and take the cycling paths that lead directly to the castle.

Whatever your choice, don't forget to check the public transportation schedules to plan your visit in peace.

Vincennes Castle, what to visit around

Here are some remarkable sites to discover around the Château de Vincennes:

  • The Bois de Vincennes: enjoy a relaxing stroll in the heart of this vast green park, ideal for a nature break in the open air.
  • The Parc Floral: offering beautiful gardens and a variety of colorful flowers, the Parc Floral is a true haven of peace for botanical enthusiasts.
  • La Cartoucherie: this cultural venue houses several theaters and performance halls where you can attend original and creative shows.

These different points of interest offer a variety of activities that will pleasantly complement your visit to the Château de Vincennes.

Did you know?

Famous prisoners have passed through there.

From the 16th to the 19th century, the Château de Vincennes became a royal prison. The windows of the first three floors of the keep were bricked up or fitted with bars to accommodate this new prison use. Notable figures such as Henri de Navarre (future Henri IV), Enlightenment writer Diderot, the highly controversial Nicolas Fouquet, the Marquis de Sade, and Mirabeau passed through there. You can even still see moving graffiti that was carved or painted on the walls by prisoners!

Places and routes in Paris and Île-de-France