Visiting small towns, villages and cities of France is one of my favorite things to to do. In this blog post, I highlight the city of Vincennnes, its beautiful sights and hidden treasures.
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Vincennes: Beautiful sights and Hidden Treasures
Discover the beautiful city of Vincennes located on the Eastern outskirts of Paris. Vincennes is a city boasting a rich tapestry of history that spans centuries. Steeped in royal heritage and cultural significance, this city is a wonderful city break destination for history enthusiasts.
This city ‘s charm is undeniable from its majestic medieval castle, charming storied streets lined and centuries-old buildings and squares. What’s more interessting is that every corner of this city whispers tales of its illustrious past as a once royal residence and fortress.
Day trip to Vincennes
If you are planning a trip to Paris, make sure to visit this beautiful city just minutes away from Paris. Vincennes, France, is famous for its impressive Château and 14th century dungeon (a hidden treasure vault). It is a massive medieval castle that served as a royal residence, fortress, and prison. Some of its most notable prisoners were:
- Marquis de Sade: The infamous French nobleman, known for his libertine lifestyle and controversial writings.
- Margaret of Burgundy: The daughter of King Louis X of France and wife of John I of Burgundy.
- Nicolas Fouquet, the Superintendent of Finances under King Louis XIV, on harges of embezzlement and treason.
What to do in Vincennes
Vincennes: Beautiful sights and Hidden Treasures. Now that you know a bit about the fascinating history of this city, let’s get into what to do in Vicennes. Fortunately, there are plenty of acitivities to do and for that, you do not need a car.
Vincennes is accessible with just a Paris public transportation pass then pretty much everything is within walking distance.
The castle’s fortress and its Saint Chapelle
The castle is a one of the main attractions there. Visit the castle’s fortress and its Saint Chapelle by following this link.
The Zoo
Book your ticket to the Zoo. It is a park of 14 hectares with 3000 animals, for adults and children who want to do some activities outsitde of the city.
The Bois de Vincennes
The Bois de Vincennes contains four lakes, an English lanscape garden, a horse racing track and more…
The Velodrome
The velodrome is a cylcing stadium known for its bicycle races.
Botanical Garden
Vincennes’s Botanical garden is my favorite place to see the fall foliage and catch cherry blossom in the spring. Furthermore, the garden is free from October 31 to Mars 30. From April first, it costs 2.60 euros to enter the Botanical Garden. Lastly, there is a playground where parents can take this children to play.
Philarmonic concert
Take the time to attend a classical concert at the Botanical Garden from June to September.
Hair Festival
Every June, the NHA ( Natural Hair Academy) hosts the biggest hair festival of Paris for curly, kinky and coily hair. There are afro food trucks, live discussions, music and hair, clothes , accessories vendors and more…
Square Carnot
The square Carnot is a small, hidden square, little-known even to the locals. With its peacefully flowing water, pretty flowerbeds, peace and quiet, it is a far cry away from the hustle and bustle of Paris.
The Village
In the heart of the city lies a village where pedestrians can stroll. Its cobbled streets with wide sidewalks are pedestrian-friendly and ideal to stroll along the tempting displays of food shops and markets. The village is a haven of peace for walkers and I hope it will be one for you as well.
What to do in Paris For first time travelers
If you are wondering what else to do in Paris, add this activities to your program :
- The Louvre Museum
- The Arc de Triomphe
- Visit the beautiful and historic Latin Quarter
- Discover the Marais neighborhood in central Paris
- The Palace of Versailles
- Stroll along the banks of the Seine River
- A Seine River cruise
For more infor about Paris travel, feel free to check these blog posts:
- First time traveler’s guide to Paris: Top things to do
- A Paris guide to the 19th arrondissement with children
How to get to Vincennes + Itinerary
Vincennes is very accessible by public transportation. To get there, you need to take metro line 1 and exit at Château de Vincennes.
Conclusion
At last, Vincennes is a beautiful former Royal city worth to be discovered. It offers a captivating blend of history, culture and charm. If you happen to be exploring Paris, how venture outside of the French capital to visit this historical and vibrant city.
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