Last Updated on September 9, 2025 by Karis Tavernier-Nicholas

It’s probably fair to say that – among many, many other things – France is famous for its numerous châteaus and palaces. To take a step inside many of these architectural gems only adds to the appeal of visiting the country, and is top of the bucket list for many history-enthusiasts and tourists alike. In and around France’s capital city alone, there are many to visit, from the Palace of Versailles to the Louvre (beyond the incredible artefacts it holds, it’s difficult to remember that the museum is also a palace) to the Château de Fontainebleau. But one that is often overlooked by visitors, although it is equally steeped in history, is Château de Vincennes.

Where is Vincennes?

I’m no stranger to Paris, and many of the streets have seen me stroll by, catching glimpses of historic sites that I never tire of. We had spent the past few days of our time in Paris exploring the typical sites, from enjoying the view of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro to wandering around the winding lanes of Montmartre. But on our final day there, we decided to explore a part of Paris that is off the beaten track.

Vincennes is a commune in the eastern suburbs of Paris, a short distance from where we were staying in Sainte-Mandè. Even before stepping off the local bus (and, unfortunately for us, into the pouring rain), the change of pace was immediately noticeable. You’re definitely beyond the city’s peripheric, a ring road which defines the boundaries of central Paris, and so it came as little surprise that there were fewer people out and about (it was also a midweek day) and hardly any tourists at all. 

In many ways, it might be fair to say that there isn’t much to do in Vincennes as a visitor, unless you’re planning on spending much of the day in the local forest, a nice respite from the busy city. But one feature Vincennes has is the château.

Château de Vincennes

Long before the Bourbon kings roamed the halls of the Palace of Versailles, they wandered about the Château de Vincennes. Set in the eastern suburbs of Paris, surrounded by the Bois de Vincennes (a large forest), the château was first constructed in the 14th century, particularly between the years of 1361 and 1369.

It was primarily built during the reign of Charles V following his ascension to the throne in 1364. A number of its buildings were progressively constructed until the 17th century, including what would become Europe’s tallest fortified central tower.

As it was heavily fortified, Château de Vincennes became favoured by the French royal family when in need of greater levels of protection. By 1380, the château had become the centre of political power in France, especially during Louis IX’s reign.

The Dungeon

While acting as a residence for the French royals, the château was also used as a prison. Even once Vincennes was abandoned for the newer and grander Versailles, the château’s dungeon remained in use, at one point even housing captives such as the Marquis de Sade and the future Henri IV. The château’s prison was even still in use in the 20th century, when the Dutch courtesan Mata Hari was executed there after being found guilty for being a spy for Germany during the First World War.

Château de Vincennes Today

Desiring a move further out of Paris’ reaches, Louis XIV – also known as the Sun King – abandoned Vincennes and moved to the recently built Versailles. Instead of falling into disuse, however, parts of the château saw the installation of a porcelain factory and later a military school, in addition to (as mentioned before) the dungeon which continued to operate as a prison at times.

Now, Vincennes is a historical heritage site that is open to visitors. For those under the age of 26, it’s free to visit the château for residents of Europe. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to explore the château beyond the grounds, and I was particularly disappointed to miss Sainte-Chapelle. The Gothic building was inspired by the more famous Sainte-Chapelle in Palais de la Cité Paris’ centre. Judging from its facade alone, I hope to get a chance to visit it more fully during another trip to Paris.