Château de Vincennes

Welcome, scholars of history, to the formidable Château de Vincennes. Standing at the edge of the Bois de Vincennes, guarding the eastern approach to Paris, this colossal structure is not merely a palace; it is the most…

Begin by walking along the edge of the massive dry moat that surrounds the fortress. Look down into its depths and up at the towering 'enceinte,' the defensive perimeter wall. …

Now, cross the inner bridge and stand at the base of the Donjon, the colossal central keep. Soaring fifty-two meters into the sky, it is the tallest medieval fortified structure remaining in Europe. …

Step into the cavernous interior of the Donjon. The stark, muscular exterior gives way to surprisingly elegant, vaulted chambers. …

Exit the keep and cross the main courtyard to the Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes. The transition is jarring: you leave the brutal, heavy masonry of the Donjon and arrive before a masterpiece of delicate, soaring Flamboyant Gothic…

As you walk back towards the Donjon, consider its sinister secondary history. As the French monarchs eventually favored the grander, unfortified palaces of the Louvre and Versailles, the fortress of Vincennes was repurposed. …

Move towards the defensive ditch near the Queen's Pavilion. Vincennes has repeatedly served as a stage for summary justice and military executions. …

As our exploration of the Château de Vincennes comes to an end, turn back to view the towering silhouette of the Donjon set against the sky. This complex is a profound architectural testament to the enduring, muscular nature of…