park
Bois de Vincennes
Paris's largest green space to the east, with a medieval castle, lakes and zoo.
Visit duration
Half day
Best time
Weekends
Metro
Château de Vincennes (1)
Visit duration
Half day
Metro
Château de Vincennes (1)
Best time
Weekends
History & context
A former royal hunting forest, the wood was turned into a public park under Napoleon III, modelled on English landscape gardens.
Vincennes Castle, with its 14th-century keep, served as a royal residence, a state prison and then an arsenal. The floral park and Paris Zoo completed the site in the 20th century.
Why visit
- ·A real medieval castle reachable by metro
- ·Lakes with rowboat rental
- ·The floral park and its summer concerts
What to see
- ·Vincennes Castle
- ·Lake Daumesnil
- ·Floral Park
- ·Paris Zoo
Practical tips
- ·Rowboat rentals on the lake
- ·Free summer concerts at the floral park
Best photo spots
- ·The castle keep from the courtyard
- ·Lake Daumesnil and the temple on its island
Good to know
- ·The wood is very large: pick one area rather than covering it all
- ·The castle has its own separate ticket
- ·Paris Zoo and the floral park each have their own admission
Schedules and tickets may change. Check the official website before booking.
Anu's insider tip
Get off at Château de Vincennes, visit the keep, then walk to the lake in twenty minutes.
With family
Rowboats, the zoo and wide lawns: a full day is possible with children.
