- Type
- Castle
- Origins
- 1340 · 14th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Location
- Île-de-France, France
- Commissioned by
- Charles V of France
- Coordinates
- 48.8428°, 2.4358°
History
As early as the 12th century the Capetian kings had a hunting lodge in the forest of Vincennes, a favourite retreat of Saint Louis. Around 1340 Philip VI began a mighty keep, which was completed by Charles V; he also enclosed the site with a wall and nine towers, making Vincennes a fortified residence. The Sainte-Chapelle was begun in 1379 and finished only in the mid-16th century. In the 17th century Louis Le Vau built the King's and Queen's Pavilions for Cardinal Mazarin, but once the court moved to Versailles the keep became a prison whose inmates included Diderot and the Marquis de Sade. In 1804 the Duke of Enghien was shot in the castle moat, and in the 19th century Vincennes became an arsenal and barracks.
What to see
The highlight is the 52-metre keep, with Gothic vaults and graffiti carved into the walls by former prisoners. Facing it is the Sainte-Chapelle with its Renaissance stained glass. Le Vau's classical pavilions close off the vast courtyard, and some of the buildings house the historical archives of the French defence ministry. The Bois de Vincennes begins right next door.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q663673
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