Vincennes – Live Like a Local in Paris
The famous landmark Chateau de Vincennes is just a short Metro ride from Paris.
Vincennes – a community in the eastern suburbs of Paris – is home to Pascale Heuzé. I first introduced you to this lovely lady when I wrote about learning vacations a while back. Now she wants you to know about her hometown: the reasons to visit and why you might like to make Vincennes your base in Paris.
Vincennes makes a great base from which to explore Paris and surroundings.
Vincennes – Live Like a Local in Paris
“Vincennes is only a short distance from Paris, but so different. It’s not really Paris and not really a suburb, but it offers the advantages of both. Newcomers are surprised to find small buildings, wide paved streets with lots of food shops … and of course the Château de Vincennes and Bois de Vincennes. The latter is a huge park (three times the size of Central Park in New York) with walking paths through a forest, a lake, extensive floral gardens, and a zoo.
Vincennes locals like to meet for coffee before or after the Sunday market.
Château de Vincennes
Vincennes is the former residence of the French king during the Middle Ages and the Château de Vincennes is the heart of the community.
Do you know that this castle and its donjon (fortified tower) is one of the most ancient of France? It was built in the 14th-century during the Middle Ages to protect Paris and the King of France from the English invasion during the Hundred Years’ War. It was regularly used and visited by all the French kings after the palaces of the Louvre and Versailles were built.
During the French revolution, the donjon was used as a prison and then the castle was transformed to a casern (military barracks) by Napoleon for his soldiers. Yes, a lot of history in this castle. These days, the site – including its Holy Chapel – are used for many worldwide cultural events.
The restaurant Les Fees Papilles is on rue Lejemptel in Vincennes.
Vincennes today – where to stay and eat
But the town doesn’t only look to its historic past. In recent years, Vincennes is achieving its renovation and is considered one of the best places to live in Paris, especially if you are an expat or a traveler with kids. Vincennes is a wonderful small town with old charming houses and other buildings and many facilities for your family.
The Home Hotel is a local favorite place to stay in Vincennes, France.
Because this is a residential area, we only have a few hotels. My best recommendation is Hotel Saint Louis or the cute hotel Le Home both on very quiet streets (like in the countryside). The apartment-style Adagio Paris Vincennes would also be good for families.
In Vincennes, we have some new and affordable (in comparison with Paris) restaurants. CO2, on rue de l’Eglise, serves authentic French cuisine. Les Fées Papilles, on rue Lejemptel (where I live), serves French cuisine revisitée (French cooking with some foreign accents).
There are also lots of sidewalk cafes with very pleasant terraces where locals like to meet for a coffee after or before the Sunday market or for a drink for an after work.
Vincennes, France: rue du Midi.
Getting to Vincennes
Take the Paris Metro Line 1 to Château de Vincennes and stay on to the last stop. Vincennes is only 10-20 minutes away from Paris (depending on where you board the Metro). As an alternative, Vincennes is one stop on the RER A train between Paris and Disneyland.
Vincennes is the new “must” for locals and for travelers who want an authentic experience in Paris. Lots of charm and comfort and so close to Paris…”
Pascale Heuzé is a French language coach and tutor in Paris. She also offers private custom guided tours of Paris. Contact her through Paris Version à la Française
Merci Pascale!
Category: France, Travel Experts
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