A historic monument with hidden treasures, the château de Vincennes is highlighted during the new Journées du Patrimoine 2025. Yes, even though it's just a stone's throw from Paris, many people forget that this fortress is a vestige that boasts a number of records. It is the largest existing French fortified castle, and its 52-metre-high keep is the highest in Europe. Voltaire and the Marquis de Sade were also imprisoned here.
Château de Vincennes: a royal fortress in Paris
Along with the Louvre, the Château de Vincennes is one of the most important castles in French history. It is also one of the largest and best-preserved fortified castles in Europe... [Read more]
For the 42nd edition of the Journées du Patrimoine 2025 (Heritage Days 2025), on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21, this fortress will reveal its secrets through a series of tours and events highlighting the different parts of the château.
The Journées du Patrimoine are an opportunity to learn more about the history of the many sumptuous monuments scattered around France. Every year in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, there's a wide range of sites to visit: from major institutions to unusual or hidden sites, cultural centers and churches... the hardest part is choosing!
This year, for the European Heritage Days, the château invites you to celebrate architecture! Like the stonecutters and prisoners before you, leave your mark on the many slates available in the courtyard of the Donjon.
Share your work on social networks with #patrimoineàlacraie, and you could win free admission to the upper sections of the Donjon.
The Centre des Monuments Nationaux and the Service Historique de la Défense welcome you, dressed in sportswear, for an assault course. Sport, challenges and enigmas are on the agenda for all those who wish to discover the Château de Vincennes in a different way.
First manor house built by Philippe-Auguste. Donjon built by Charles V between 1364 and 1370, completed between 1373 and 1380 with the erection of the Great Wall. Sainte-Chapelle founded in 1379 (completed by Henri II in 1552). Château reorganized in the 17th century by Louis Le Vau: bailey with outbuildings, keep courtyard, "château neuf" courtyard, bordering which he built the King's pavilion and the Queen's pavilion. Restored after the Second World War, it has housed the army's historical services since 1948.
Evocation of the execution of the Duc d'Enghien in the Château moat.
Visit organized by the Société des Amis de Vincennes.
Evocation of the executions of resistance fighters during the Liberation in the ditches of the Château de Vincennes.
Visit organized by the Société des Amis de Vincennes.
Former residence of the kings of France. 14th-century keep and châtelet, 14th- and 16th-century Sainte-Chapelle, 17th-century King's and Queen's pavilion, Mazarin salon, 19th-century casemates. Today, Château de Vincennes is France's largest royal fortified castle.
Here's a great program to fill our weekend for these Heritage Days in the Val-de-Marne!
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Vincennes Castle
Avenue de Paris
94300 Vincennes
Prices
Free
Official website
www.chateau-de-vincennes.fr
Château de Vincennes: a royal fortress in Paris
