Vincennes brings together heritage and local culture with the adjacent Bois de Vincennes. The city’s architecture and historical walking tours are complemented by walking trails and sports facilities in the green spaces. When choosing a destination, you can weigh up whether you are mainly interested in the city’s history, cultural offerings, or a combination with the nearby woodland.
Markets and cultural events
Vincennes has three markets: Fontenay, Diderot and Carnot. If you plan to visit a market, check the opening times in advance, as schedules can change. Festival America may also be worth considering when choosing your travel dates: it takes place every two years and includes literature, comics, cinema, music and even street art. The festival is considered an institution in Vincennes. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific event dates.
Church and historical walking tours
The Church of Saint-Louis de Vincennes features distinctive neo-Byzantine architecture, characteristic of the renewal of religious art in the first half of the 20th century. In 1996, it was fully listed as a historic monument. Guided tours of the church are organized several times a year; if you would like to join one, check the specific dates.
There are several ways to explore the city’s history. The Parcours des panneaux du Patrimoine uses 13 historical information panels distributed across various neighborhoods of Vincennes. The route passes buildings dating from the 19th and 20th centuries in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Heritage walks take visitors through the city’s seven neighborhoods. A free app for the Parcours architectural audioguidé is available year-round and helps visitors discover Vincennes’ historical and architectural heritage.
The Vignerons district also offers a tangible connection to local cultural history: it is associated with the first studios Charles Pathé established there at the end of the 19th century. Anyone wishing to consult historical sources should also note the access requirement for the Centre historique des archives: access requires registration as a reader with the Service historique de la Défense.
Cultural activities and classes
Espace Sorano houses event spaces, a theater and an exhibition hall. It also offers more than 70 classes in a range of areas, including music, creative arts, games, theater, dance, languages, computing and photography. Its offerings therefore range from performance and exhibition spaces to a variety of ways to take part. If you are interested in culture beyond historic buildings, including events and classes, Espace Sorano is another local point of interest.
Green spaces nearby
The Bois de Vincennes borders Vincennes and is historically associated with the Château de Vincennes. At 995 hectares, it is the largest green space in Paris. The lakes are connected by streams, and scenic walking trails wind through the woodland. There are four fitness trails for outdoor exercise. Walks through the woodland and outdoor workouts offer different ways to enjoy the Bois de Vincennes.
Parc Floral de Paris lies on the edge of the Bois de Vincennes. It combines botany, culture and festivals with walks and activities for children. The adjacent green space therefore offers a choice between trails through the woodland and a park with cultural and botanical attractions.
Getting there and finding your way
Vincennes can be reached via Métro Line 1, with stops at Château de Vincennes and Bérault, and via RER A, with a stop at Vincennes. These lines and stops provide clear reference points for getting there and deciding whether to choose Vincennes as a place to stay.
Discover more destinations: Charenton-Le-Pont, Maisons-Alfort, Le Perreux-Sur-Marne, Villeneuve-Le-Roi, Alfortville, Thiais, Joinville-Le-Pont, Sucy-En-Brie
For the broader travel overview: Val-De-Marne.
