At the gates of Paris, in Val-de-Marne, the Château de Vincennes stands out for its grandeur and presence. This prestigious building, which was a royal residence from the 12th to the 18th century, has kept its medieval towers, walls, Holy Chapel (Sainte-Chapelle) and 14th-century keep. It's the largest French royal fortress still standing, and has stood the test of time and war!
The famous 50-metre-tall keep, which makes the château one of the tallest medieval fortresses in Europe, was built around 1365 by Charles V, King of France, to house his collections of objets d'art and manuscripts. From the 15th century onwards, the keep became a state prison, where a number of famous figures, including Fouquet, Mirabeau, Diderot and the Marquis de Sade, were held. The work undertaken by Charles V to transform the family manor lasted until the 17th century, and harmoniously combined the Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles to create an architectural ensemble of great elegance. In the Holy Chapel, a Gothic masterpiece founded in 1379, the sumptuous rose window and stained glass windows have been restored.
In 1682, the royal court moved from Vincennes to Versailles. The château then changed functions several times: porcelain and earthenware factory, arsenal, bakery, etc. During the Second World War, it was occupied by German troops, who set fire to the château during the Liberation.
You can learn all about the history of France as you visit the apartments of Charles V, the spectacular keep, the two offices of the King's secretary and the Council Chamber. In the Holy Chapel, you can admire the Treasure Room, sacristy and attic. Enjoy a stroll along the wall walk, which was once used by soldiers to protect the capital. And take the time to browse the shelves in the library of the Defence Historical Service (Service Historique de la Défense – SHD), which is housed in the château and holds over 800,000 documents.
