For travelers seeking an alternative to the bustling crowds at Versailles, the Chateau de Vincennes, located just 15 minutes from central Paris by metro, offers a serene and historically rich experience. This medieval fortress, boasting Europe’s tallest keep at 52 meters, provides an intimate glimpse into France’s royal past without the overwhelming throngs, welcoming up to 145,000 visitors annually compared to Versailles’ eight million.

Constructed in the 14th century during the Hundred Years War, the Chateau de Vincennes began as a royal hunting manor before King Charles V transformed it into a symbol of French power. “The keep has been a powerful emblem of the monarchy since the mid-14th century,” said local guide Cindy Smili-Yesli. Unlike Versailles, Vincennes allows visitors to closely admire intricate details, such as the medieval decor within the keep, in a quieter setting.

The chateau’s history is marked by notable events, including its occupation by Henry V of England following the 1420 Treaty of Troyes. Henry V died there in 1422, with legend suggesting his body was reduced to ashes in the castle’s kitchens. From the 15th century, the keep served as a prison, housing figures like future King Henri IV, philosopher Denis Diderot, and the infamous Marquis de Sade, whose imprisonment in less-than-pleasant cells reflected his controversial reputation. Graffiti from prisoners, including women implicated in 17th-century poisoning scandals, remains etched into the stone walls.

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The chateau’s Gothic Holy Chapel, adorned with mid-16th-century stained glass depicting apocalyptic scenes, adds to its allure. Once a refuge for royals like Louis XIV during turbulent times, Vincennes fell out of favor when the Sun King relocated to Versailles in 1682. Today, its drawbridge entrance and well-preserved architecture offer a peaceful retreat for history enthusiasts seeking a less crowded alternative to Versailles’ grandeur.

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