The tallest castle tower in Europe is just outside Paris, within easy reach of the metro!

One might expect to find it perched atop a rocky outcrop somewhere between Carcassonne and the misty northern landscapes. Yet, the tallest tower in Europe stands quietly… just outside a Paris metro station. This impressive medieval fortress provides a stunning glimpse into the history of the French kings.

In Vincennes, just outside Paris, this imposing silhouette immediately captures the eye. The site is one of France’s best-preserved medieval castles. Standing at 52 meters tall, the Vincennes Castle’s tower proudly overlooks the surrounding woods, serving as a striking reminder that the Île-de-France region also bears the impressive footprints of the Middle Ages.

Here, there are no strategic hills; the landscape is flat. So, in the 14th century, the builders made up for the lack of elevation by emphasizing verticality. The result? A fortified tower that is now recognized as the tallest surviving medieval keep in Europe.

Built starting in 1337 under Philip VI and completed under Charles V, the keep is more than just a military fortress. It embodies the power of the French monarchy. Its square layout flanked by corner towers, its massive walls several meters thick, the impressive moats, and its fortified enclosure make it a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. But inside, there’s a surprise: the Vincennes Castle keep also served as a royal residence.

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Charles V, known as “the Wise,” established his library here, making it one of the earliest organized royal libraries. The site evolved into a space that was both a fortress and a hub of political power, as well as an elegant residence. This dual purpose was typical of the great princely keeps of late medieval times: built to defend, certainly, but also to project authority and prestige.

Centuries pass, and the tower's role evolves. Starting in the 17th century, it becomes a state prison. Its thick walls imprison renowned inmates sent by royal Decree. Denis Diderot is confined there in 1749 for his philosophical writings deemed subversive. The Marquis de Sade spends several years behind bars before being transferred to the Bastille. Mirabeau, future key figure of the French Revolution, also experienced incarceration in this place.

The Château de Vincennes now presents an immersive tour that brings its rich history to life, including exclusive visits that take you right to the top of Europe's tallest keep, offering a truly unforgettable perspective. Discover these extraordinary excursions that elevate you to the summit of the fortress.

The Château of Vincennes: A Royal Fortress at the Gates of 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]

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