Summary of Attractions in Vincennes
A verdant eastern suburb of Paris, Vincennes straddles the boundary of the 11th and 20th Arrondissements and is conveniently located a mere five minutes from the Gare de Lyon via the RER. Historically, Vincennes was an independent town adjacent to a vast forest and developed around a château favored as a hunting lodge by medieval monarchs.
In Vincennes, you will find that all of Paris is readily accessible, accompanied by an array of attractions, shopping venues, nightlife, and dining options.
However, with public transport, certain destinations can be reached faster than others from this area.
This guide will focus on local attractions, as well as nearby sites that can be reached in just minutes via either the RER A commuter train or Paris Métro Line 1, both of which have stations in Vincennes.
Let us explore the top activities in Vincennes:
1. Château de Vincennes
This landmark is recognized for its imposing 52-metre 14th-century donjon, featuring four circular turrets, arrow slits, and crenellations, all encircled by an outer wall and a substantial, impenetrable moat.
As a royal residence, the château also conveys a more cultured narrative: Two medieval kings (Philippe III and Philippe IV) were wed within its confines, and three monarchs met their demise here.
From the 1600s onward, the donjon transitioned into a prison, housing notable figures such as Nicolas Fouquet, Mirabeau, Diderot, and the Marquis de Sade.
Altogether, this château provides a significant historical account that will engage anyone interested in the political and social intricacies of medieval and early modern France.
2. Bois de Vincennes
The château originated as a hunting lodge constructed by King Louis VII in the 12th century, and the Bois de Vincennes was the preferred location for regal sporting activities.
It was not until the 18th century under the reign of Louis XV that the park was opened to the public; he established two main pathways (Route de la Pyramide and Route du Champ de Manoeuvre), with the pyramid monument erected at their intersection in 1731 still standing today.
In 1900, the majority of events for the Paris Olympics occurred in the Bois de Vincennes, and the velodrome remains a testament to that historic event.
Bigger than the Bois de Boulogne, this park is the largest in Paris, encompassing many of the attractions mentioned below.
Though not officially listed, the Pagode de Vincennes features Europe’s largest Buddha statue, towering at nine meters high.
3. Parc Floral de Paris
The tourist trails in Paris can be quite demanding during the summer, hence the city’s parks serve as a refreshing retreat.
Situated within the Bois de Vincennes, the Parc Floral stands as the fourth-largest park in Paris in its own right.
Approaching from the château, visitors enter through a grove of oaks and cedars, revealing a serene environment adorned with flower gardens, ponds, a Japanese water garden, a bonsai pavilion, bandstands hosting live music during the summer, and children’s playgrounds, all embellished with modern sculptures.
Botanically inclined guests will be delighted by the assortment of smaller gardens showcasing azaleas, medicinal plants, cacti, rhododendrons, irises, and ferns.
4. Palais de la Porte Dorée
Visitors have three compelling reasons to visit this striking structure on the western edge of the Bois de Vincennes: to admire its extraordinary architecture, to explore the Immigration Museum, and to appreciate the marine life in the aquarium located in the basement.
This palace is an art deco gem, constructed for the 1931 Paris Colonial Exposition, adorned with various references to the French territories of that era.
The stunning relief situated behind the portico, created by Alfred Janniot, depicts ships and exotic wildlife, including elephants and antelopes.
The Immigration Museum offers a balanced examination of immigration to France, while the extensive cellars house tanks containing 5,000 animals from 350 species.
5. La Coulée Verte
For those inclined, it is possible to exit the western edge of the Bois de Vincennes and stroll in a straight path through landscaped parkland leading directly to the Bastille, an easy five-kilometer walk to the east.
This is made feasible by La Coulée Verte, also referred to as the Promenade Plantée, which transformed a redundant train viaduct into a spectacular linear park in 1993.
One of its many appeals is the opportunity to view the city’s architecture from an alternate perspective, although one might find it hard to resist the urge to glance into the windows of nearby residences!
6. Père Lachaise Cemetery
Located in the adjacent 20th Arrondissement, this cemetery attracts more visitors annually than any other in the world.
The reason for its popularity is undoubtedly due to the numerous cultural icons interred here.
The list of distinguished individuals is impressive, featuring Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein, Marcel Proust, Chopin, Édith Piaf, and perhaps the most recognized of all, Jim Morrison.
This is but a small fraction of its extensive size, accommodating 700,000 graves across nearly 44 hectares.
Fortunately, a map is provided to assist with navigation.
7. Paris Zoological Park
A visit to the zoo is always a popular choice for families, and this compact facility located within the Bois de Vincennes houses 180 different species.
The park is quite visible from a distance due to the impressive 65-metre “Grand Rocher,” an artificial rock formation constructed in the 1930s.
Animals are provided with the largest enclosures possible, enabling visitors to observe them in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats.
However, a disadvantage may be that spotting larger animals such as lions, pumas, and panthers can be challenging, as they often rest at a distance.
More sociable and active creatures include the penguins, rhinos, seals, wolves, and baboons, ensuring an enjoyable experience for children.
8. La Ferme de Paris
Another enjoyable and educational destination for families with young children is this urban farm, which spans five hectares and is also located in the Bois de Vincennes.
Traditional crops and livestock characteristic of the Île-de-France region are cultivated and raised here. As a working farm, visitors will find different activities based on seasonal variations.
The farm features sheep, chickens, and Parisian cows, and operates under stringent ecological and organic standards.
9. Hippodrome de Vincennes
While you may not have horse racing in mind during your visit to Paris, an esteemed track is located within the Bois de Vincennes.
Hosting 153 events annually, the Hippodrome’s esteemed reputation is derived from the Prix d’Amérique, held every January, recognized as the largest harness race in the world.
Harness racing involves a jockey seated behind the horse in a two-wheeled cart, with the horses racing in a trotting motion.
The Prix d’Amérique has been a tradition since 1920, while the Hippodrome, with a capacity of 35,000 spectators, was established in 1863.
10. Louvre
Access the Louvre via Line 1 without the need for any transfers.
Should you leave Paris without visiting this iconic museum, you may feel a sense of missing out.
It is also important to note that visiting the world’s largest museum cannot be undertaken casually.
To prevent significant museum fatigue, planning your route through the vast galleries in advance is essential.
If you harbor a particular interest, whether it be classical sculpture, painting, or decorative arts, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue it extensively.
Of course, there are several must-see pieces, such as Delacroix’s “Liberty Leading the People,” Caravaggio’s “Madonna on the Rocks,” and da Vinci’s celebrated “Mona Lisa.”
11. Musée des Arts Décoratifs
This museum is situated across from the impressive arcades on Rue de Rivoli, with the upper floors offering sweeping views of the Tuileries.
This destination serves as an excellent follow-up to a visit to the Louvre, providing a compelling overview of French design trends throughout history, despite receiving far fewer visitors.
Over seven floors, guests can explore furniture, tapestries, interior elements, glassware, and ceramics, all organized by historical period.
Enthusiasts of art deco and art nouveau will find themselves enthralled as they wander through room after room showcasing pieces displayed at international fairs and exhibitions at the turn of the century.
12. Jardin des Plantes
Situated on the left bank of the Seine, directly across from the Gare de Lyon, is the national botanical garden that spans 28 hectares and is free for the public to enter.
This garden was established in 1626 and continues to operate a botanical school, alongside four sections of the National Museum of Natural History.
The southern area features the orderly paths and hedges of a French formal garden, while the northern section exhibits a more naturalistic layout in the English style, which also includes the park’s small zoo.
Among the many attractions are greenhouses containing plant species native to Australia and Mexico, as well as an alpine garden featuring over 3,000 high-altitude species from across the globe.
13. Église Saint-Eustache
Only a ten-minute journey on the RER leads to this church of significant historical importance, constructed in the flamboyant gothic style during the 16th century.
The catalogue of noteworthy events that have transpired at Saint-Eustache is extensive, including Louis XIV’s reception of communion here, the funeral of Mozart’s mother in the sanctuary, and baptisms of famous historical figures like Richelieu and Madame de Pompadour during their childhood.
Aesthetically, the church showcases a gothic structure enhanced with Renaissance details.
Additionally, visitors should allocate time to appreciate the 17th-century tomb of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the Minister of Finances, who adeptly managed the country’s finances during Louis XIV’s reign.
14. Musée de l’Orangerie
Located where the Tuileries gardens meet Place de la Concorde, the Musée de l’Orangerie served as the orangery for the Tuileries Palace and was constructed in 1852. This museum is essential for art enthusiasts, comparable in importance to both the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, with a strong focus on the impressionist and post-impressionist movements.
The highlight of this museum is its unique pair of oval rooms that house eight of Monet’s water lily murals, which have been displayed here since 1920. While this serves as a major attraction, it is just the beginning, as the museum also features numerous works by artists such as Henri Rousseau, Sisley, Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Derain, and Matisse.
Plan to spend several hours if you appreciate art from this genre.
15. Place des Vosges
At the eastern terminus of the Coulée Verte lies a significant example of early 17th-century urban planning.
In many ways, the grand boulevards, esplanades, and squares in French cities owe their inspiration to Place des Vosges.
All the surrounding buildings originated from the same project during the reign of Henri IV, exhibiting a consistent architectural design.
Considering its historical context, the precision of its design is remarkable, as it spans 140 by 140 meters, featuring a nearly continuous series of arcades on the ground floor.
To enjoy the elegance of the gardens in solitude, consider arriving early in the morning, or alternatively, bring along a baguette, ham, and cheese for a lovely spring or summer picnic amidst the lively atmosphere during lunchtime.
