The royal fortress of Vincennes
1 to 20
1.5 hour
from 19€
Flexible cancellation policy
Explore one of France’s most hidden gem at the doorstep of Paris : the massive medieval fortress of Vincennes
The royal fortress of Vincennes has a lot to offer to any visitor of Paris. Whether you are a fan of royal palaces, knights and middle-ages, in search for suprising stories about France’s most noble prisoners, climb up the architecture of Europe’s higghest medieval donjon, or simply to take a step out of the city and breath in the air of the surrounding 995ha parc, this experience could be the most unexcepted memory of your journey !
Private
Benefit from a private guide, just for you and your family or friends
Tailor your visit to suit your own specific needs and wishes
Explore at your own pace
463€
Price for 2 guests
Private
Benefit from a private guide, just for you and your family or friends
Tailor your visit to suit your own specific needs and wishes
Explore at your own pace
463€
Price for 2 guests
Highlights
- Discover the massive medieval fortress of Vincennes, its history and its amazing architecture with a local licenced tour guide.
- Escape the crowds and the noises of the city for a while and enjoy the huge park surrounding the castle.
- Hear the fascinating stories of Kings, battles and prisoners, whom once inhabited those walls.
- Gaze at Europe’s higghest medevial keep (donjon).
Tour Description
Vincennes is a town east of Paris easily accesible with public transportation (metro, train, bus, taxi, even by bike !). Barely 20 minutes away from Paris city center, the town is mainly famous for the parisian park of Vincennes, its zoo, and… its castle ! Indeed, you only have to go down at the “Château de Vincennes” métro station to discover of one France most incredible medieval construction.
Originally, it was a modest hunting lodge used by the French Kings. In the 13th century, Saint Louis, (Louis IX) decided to turn is into a more confortable royal residence. But it is definetly the great administrator and constructor king of France, Charles V, in the midst of the Hundred Years War, that launched the huge construction of the current fortress and installed there his main residence and his entire administration. He also launched the constuction the magnificent Sainte Chapelle, twin sister of the one in Paris. In the 17th century the entire stronghold was turned into prison dedicated to the most illustrious prisoners (kings, cardinals, nobles). Finally, the French Revolution turned the whole building iinto an arnsenal. Since then, a wide part of the castle is still hosting the French Army archives.
In order to discover this tremedous historical monument, your guide will meet you at the main entrance of the château on the bridge passing over the moat that you will see as soon as you exit the metro. You tour guide will provide you all the keywords to describe the medieval architecture and lead you throught all the walkways, spiral staircases, the palace rooms and the former prison cells, above the donjon or inside the Sainte Chapelle upper galery.
This tour will please all public, and is particularly fit to families. Come and join us for this visit of the too underrated château de Vincennes where you won’t be bothered by any crowd or waiting line but still get the chance the discover France most exceptional heritage.
What’s included
- Guided 1.5 hour walking tour in English
- Fully licensed expert local guide
- Limited groups of 20 people or fewer
FAQ
Is there a lot of walking on this tour?
This tour doesn’t include much walking distance though most of the tour takes place inside the 53m high keep. It does include a reasonable amout of climbing up and down spiral staircases and walk through some narrow walkways.
Can I bring a stroller?
You can bring a stroller. But please note that the tour includes a reasonable amout of climbing up and down spiral staircases and walk through some narrow walkways. You would have to fold and carry the stroller at some points.
Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is very suitable for children, the castle of Vincennes is a fun place that children enjoy exploring. You can alsoo plan after the tour to enjoy the park of Vincennes next door or even go to the zoo. However if you have younger children and are looking for tours that are specifically designed for families with kids, allowing the children to interact and participate with the guide throughout, our Family Tours are perhaps more appropriate as the children will be the focus of the visit.