Chateau of Vincennes
Chateau of 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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Admission tickets
from R 271,87
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Top ways to experience Chateau of Vincennes and nearby attractions

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
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • d12023
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Inexpensive and fun experience
    Visiting the Chateau of Vincennes was a surprising gem. I throughly enjoyed the lovely chapel and wandering about the keep. it was like stepping back in time to see how royal life actually lived. The site is simple (not like Versailles). I loved walking the battlements, climbing the clock tower and seeing the kings rooms (including the toilet). An inexpensive and fun place to visit.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 19 March 2023
  • nctraveler315
    Winston Salem, North Carolina169 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must for anyone who loves castles and history
    No one we talked to seemed to know anything about this hidden gem. This chateau was built in the 12th century. It is located at the end of line 1 on the metro and it literally lets you out at the entry. My husband's statement was "this is what I wanted every sand castle I ever built to look like" It was not crowded at all and we often found ourselves the only visitors in a room or area. There are stairs and they are not all even so be careful. There are no furnishings but the painted wood work is lovely. The church is also beautiful. I'm really glad we decided to visit here.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 July 2023
  • Julie B
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quieter than Versailles and more history
    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
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 3 August 2023
  • JRM
    Penetanguishene, Canada102 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not for everybody
    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.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 30 August 2023
  • Kaulostar
    Greater London, United Kingdom894 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Home and Prison
    the chateau is very easy to access as the metro stop is just outside. it is one of the main historical monuments within the Paris region. Well maintained and incl tower, new part and a chapel - all included in the ticket price. Note I think some of the buildings are used as office. The recommended route is a bit confusing but as not that busy you can stroll around and the chapel shuts during the lunch hour
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 25 September 2023
  • AlbertSalichs
    Manresa, Spain11,524 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice and interesting royal castle
    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.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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
4.0 of 5 bubbles1 200 reviews
Excellent
525
Very good
492
Average
134
Poor
33
Terrible
16

Paul S
Lisse, The Netherlands47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Beautifull Castle with great history. The self guide tour with an interactive screen is wonderful and very informative to guide you through all chambers and Chapel.
With the tablet several rooms and Chapel came to live which makes it very interesting. Very nice place to visit for 2 hours and very accessible with metro or car
Written 24 February 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.

AlbertSalichs
Manresa, Spain11 524 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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 28 November 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.

Kaulostar
Greater London, UK894 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Solo
the chateau is very easy to access as the metro stop is just outside. it is one of the main historical monuments within the Paris region.
Well maintained and incl tower, new part and a chapel - all included in the ticket price. Note I think some of the buildings are used as office. The recommended route is a bit confusing but as not that busy you can stroll around and the chapel shuts during the lunch hour
Written 25 September 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.

JRM
Penetanguishene, Canada102 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
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.

nctraveler315
Winston Salem, NC169 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Couples
No one we talked to seemed to know anything about this hidden gem. This chateau was built in the 12th century. It is located at the end of line 1 on the metro and it literally lets you out at the entry. My husband's statement was "this is what I wanted every sand castle I ever built to look like" It was not crowded at all and we often found ourselves the only visitors in a room or area. There are stairs and they are not all even so be careful. There are no furnishings but the painted wood work is lovely. The church is also beautiful. I'm really glad we decided to visit here.
Written 17 July 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, UK3 417 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written 1 July 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.

Andre Paleari
Londrina, PR21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
It’s all about history if you like. Medieval castle from 14th century and earlier. A real scene of that time. A chateau that is part of France history (more than Versailles).
Written 7 May 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.

d12023
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
Visiting the Chateau of Vincennes was a surprising gem. I throughly enjoyed the lovely chapel and wandering about the keep. it was like stepping back in time to see how royal life actually lived. The site is simple (not like Versailles). I loved walking the battlements, climbing the clock tower and seeing the kings rooms (including the toilet). An inexpensive and fun place to visit.
Written 19 March 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.

AlmostWinter
Greater Newcastle, Australia24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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.

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CHATEAU OF VINCENNES: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Chateau of Vincennes

Chateau of Vincennes admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost R 277,54, while a popular guided tour starts around R 1 259,71 per person.

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