Château De Vincennes
Château De Vincennes
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 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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3,527 within 5 kms
Attractions
4,230 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,208 reviews
Excellent
529
Very good
495
Average
134
Poor
34
Terrible
16
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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 October 31, 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 November 17, 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 January 29, 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 September 23, 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 August 30, 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 August 3, 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 August 21, 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.
Tommo
Melbourne, Australia56,014 contributions
Oct 2022
We were looking at viisiting a Chateau that was easy to reach via RER A as we were staying in Marnee la Vallee area. This one did fit the bill and was only a short walk from the train station. We caught the RER A to Vincennes and did the short walk to the Chateau.
The town is very quaint and we enjoyed a nice meal at a French Bistro.
Whilst it had the moat and historical Medieval Towers there was construction work going on and probably not the best Chateau to visit in Paris region. The building we visited wasnt that interesting with very little of historical significance inside.
This Chateau was built between 1361 and 1369.
There is a church on site called Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes was virtually empty inside.
It may be worth travelling further to see one of the more famous Chateaus.
The town is very quaint and we enjoyed a nice meal at a French Bistro.
Whilst it had the moat and historical Medieval Towers there was construction work going on and probably not the best Chateau to visit in Paris region. The building we visited wasnt that interesting with very little of historical significance inside.
This Chateau was built between 1361 and 1369.
There is a church on site called Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes was virtually empty inside.
It may be worth travelling further to see one of the more famous Chateaus.
Written December 5, 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.
AlbertSalichs
Manresa, Spain22,446 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Chateau of Vincennes is a castle located in Vincennes neighbourhood, in the surroundings of Paris. It was started to be built in the 12th Century, but the main tower was built in the 14th Century, when the castle was an important point of the royal powder. In this century also was built the Saint-Chapelle, the church in the complex. Nowadays, in fact, only you can see these two important buildings and some other. Most of them were demolished in the 19th Century, some years after the French Revolution. We visited the complex in the last Christmas and it was very nice, especially for my daughter, who enjoyed here. In fact, the most beautiful views are from the main tower, from where you can see the Saint-Chapelle, all complex and the surroundings. Pitifully, some parts are on works.
Written November 28, 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.
genibre69
London, UK5,403 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
So overrated!! I don’t understand how people rave about this place: even the cashier told me there’s no exhibits to see inside the doujon. So you’re paying €9.50 to climb an empty tower and then see a modern installation in a barren church?! Have these visitors never traveled before?! The courtyard is pretty desolate and nearly no buildings are open. The one that is has a boring sounding exhibition on arms that was closed anyway this Saturday.
Would never recommend this place TBH. Somewhat of a wasted day trip from Paris.
Would never recommend this place TBH. Somewhat of a wasted day trip from Paris.
Written July 1, 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 March 15, 2020
Not at the. Chateau, but maybe at a train station or airport.
Written March 16, 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 January 14, 2020
What I can tell you is that I spent 40mn to find a place to park my small car...
Written January 14, 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 September 14, 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 September 16, 2019
O castelo está mobiliado em algum cômodo?
Written May 25, 2018
Is it open Monday April 2 (which I understand is a national holiday)
Written February 28, 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 November 27, 2017
One ticket is enough because it is on the metro line even thought it is at the end.
Written November 27, 2017
Bonjour peut-on manger sur place ou ramener un pique nique ?
Written October 22, 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 October 10, 2017
Non posso esserne sicuro ma scommetterei di no! Ciao
Written October 10, 2017
buongiorno a tutti! mi sapete dare un indicazione sul tempo di visita del castello? grazie! Silvia
Written July 15, 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 August 13, 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 April 2, 2017
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