뱅센 성

The imposing Château de Vincennes has stood at the heart of French history since its construction.

The 13th-century fortress served as a prison, porcelain factory, military arsenal and the site of numerous royal births, marriages, and executions.

Originally built as a hunting lodge for Louis VII in 1150, the Château was considerably expanded by Louis IX. The famous donjon tower, at 52m high, is the tallest fortified medieval structure in Europe. It was added by Philip VI of France around 1337.

You will discover why the Château de Vincennes became one of the most formidable fortresses in all of France and the scene of numerous bloody battles. The massive rectangular circuit of walls – measuring more than a kilometer in length – are punctuated by six grand towers and three gates, each 42m high.