The Château of Vincennes was used as a royal residence from the 12th to 18th century and it has preserved its medieval towers, the Sainte-Chapelle and the 14th century keep which is the highest of its kind in Europe.

In 1365, Charles V, King of France, transformed the family manor house at Vincennes into a more suitable royal dwelling and built the present keep to house his art collection and manuscripts. From the early 15th-century to the 1800s, the keep was used as a prison, a symbol of absolute State power, which saw the imprisonment of famous figures such as Fouquet, the Marquis de Sade, and Mirabeau.

The Sainte-Chapelle which dates back to  1379 offers to the public a remarkable decorative ensemble enabling King Charles V to add a truly exceptional religious edifice to this impressive fortress. The sacristy, attics and Treasury are now open to visitors.

Don't miss a  visit to the gatehouse parapet and the two offices of the King’s secretary. In the Sainte-Chapelle, the sacristy, attics and Treasury are now open to visitors.