Château de Vincennes

Métro: Château de Vincennes (Line 1)
Address: avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes
Hours: everyday from10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: 8.50 Euros (check out the website for special rates)
Website: http://en.chateau-vincennes.fr/

I am always amazed at the total change of scenery as soon as you leave Paris. In this case, it is only 2 subway stations away! Vincennes is a hip, classy town yet it has a feel of the province (countryside) to it. Before you get to the castle, check out the very clean downtown. I have to mention it because it's a rarity in France.

The castle site is like a little village of its own. It is composed of multiple buildings and styles. Historians are not exactly sure how old the castle is, but the first mention of it dates back to 1178 when King Louis VII signed a deed to declare it his royal residence. However, most of the buildings date from the 12th to 14th century.

It is the largest fortified royal castle still standing in France and with its 8 story high tower (50 meters).  It is also one of the tallest valley fortresses in Europe. At one point, thousands of people lived within its ramparts. With drawbridges, a moat, and turrets, this castle was designed to first and foremost to protect the king from harm.

Two kings got married at Vincennes: Philippe III (1274) and Philip IV of France (1284); and 3 others passed away there: Louis X (1316), Philippe V (1322) and Charles IV (1328, he was also born there). 

 

In the 18th century, renowned figures such of Diderot, Mirabeau, and Marquis de Sade were imprisoned in this castle. The prison was for high profile figures and could not house more than 14 prisoners. You can see some marks carved in the cell walls as a witness of their stay.

Louis XIV left Vincennes to make Versailles the royal residence around 1670.

From 1940 to 1944, German troops occupied the castle; and while fleeing the scene, they decided to burn their arsenal. The fire lasted 8 days.

Founded in 1379, the Sainte Chapelle was supposed to exhibit relics from the passion of Christ purchased from the Emperor of Constantinople. Charles V wished to make Vincennes the second capital of France. I have to say that out of the many churches I have visited in France, it has one of the brightest interior. I love how the light fills this tall and thin building.

The side pavilions date from the 15th century. King Louis XI decided to move from the protection of main building on the site to the pavilions that became the royal apartments. A few other kings stayed there at times. Mary Medici also ordered additional side buildings to be constructed for Louis XIII who spent his youth at Vincennes.

I really enjoyed visiting this site. It was fascinating. I did not take the guided tour but we did take the audio guide, which was really well done. I was a little tired at the end of our visit, but I felt like I better grasp of France's royal past. I highly recommend it!