Île-de-France · Val-de-Marne, France

Château de Vincennes

The tallest surviving medieval fortified keep in Europe — 52 metres — at the heart of the fortress where the kings of France lived before Versailles was dreamt of. Its Sainte-Chapelle rivals the one on the Île de la Cité; its donjon later held Fouquet, Diderot and the Marquis de Sade.

At a glance

Built: 14th century (keep 1361–1371)
Style: Medieval royal residence-fortress
Commissioned by: Charles V
Signature feature: The 52 m donjon of Charles V — Europe's tallest medieval keep
Sainte-Chapelle: Royal chapel begun 1379, completed under Henri II
Famous prisoners: Nicolas Fouquet, Diderot, the Marquis de Sade
Ownership: French state (Centre des monuments nationaux)
Visiting: Open to visitors year-round