Vincennes Forest in Paris – a hiking trail and attractions for the whole family

Over 400 Parks and gardens Turn the Paris A green city and providing a solution for residents and tourists looking for some peace, rest and distance from the pressures of the city, noise and air pollution. At both ends, in the west and east, lie the green lungs of the city, which in the past served as hunting grounds for kings – Boulogne Forest The famous BOIS DE BOULOGNE in the west of the city and the slightly larger BOIS DE VINCENNES, which is for some reason less well-known, but no less attractive, in the east of Paris.

Both forests are designed in the English style and in both you will find spectacular artificial lakes, boating opportunities, huge lawns, bike and horse riding trails and many kilometers of wooded areas. In both you can spend at least a full day in nature and enjoy an ideal escape from busy city life.

In this article I have chosen to present a tour of the Vincennes Forest, its various aspects, the entertainment and attractions offered within it. As mentioned, the forest is located to the east of the city and borders the12th DistrictAlthough tens of thousands of trees were damaged in a severe and unusually strong storm in 1999, it is still very impressive. The forest was very beloved by the kings of France In the Middle Ages, we enjoyed hunting in its endless expanses. In the 13th century, the forest was fenced off by Philip Augustus II to serve as a hunting ground. It was not until 2 that the forest was granted to the state by Napoleon III and became a public park open to all. The forest has vast grassy areas that serve as a great place for picnics on fine days.

It is important to note that the metro and the RER suburban train only reach the edges of the park, and to move from place to place within it, you must use a bus, a private car, or a rented bicycle.

Lake DAUMESNIL

We will start the tour at the PORTE DOREE metro station (line 8) from where a very short walk south will take us to the Palais de la Porte Doré, which used to be a museum of African and Oceanic art, but its collection was transferred to the Burnley Museum. On the ground floor, huge aquariums remain and can be visited for a fee. The rest of the building now houses the Museum of the History of Migration.

A short walk will take you to one of the most spectacular parts of the forest – Lake DAUMESNIL – Lake DAUMESNIL is the largest lake in Vincennes and is one of my favorite places in Paris. You can rent a boat here and spend a peaceful and relaxing cruise, but it is even more recommended to walk around the lake on its right side, pass by the Buddhist center, which is closed to visitors most of the year except on Buddhist holidays, go up the bridge and walk on the two special islands where we will encounter many animals and lush, blooming vegetation.

The bridge leads to the island of DE REUILLY and next to it on the right you will find an ancient Roman building and below it a small artificial stalactite cave. A short distance from here you will find a restaurant. Between the two islands is another bridge leading to the island of DE BERCY. If you arrive in the autumn months you can enjoy huge expanses of unusually beautiful colorful fall foliage.

If your trip happens to take place in April-May Accompanied by children So the next section is tailor-made especially for you.

FAIR OF THE THRONE

Every year from the beginning of April to the end of May, the largest amusement fair in France is held at the PELOUSE DE REUILLY near Lake DAUMESNIL, which includes roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and many rides, some of which are considered “stomach-turning.” Admission to the fairgrounds is free, and you pay according to how you use the rides. In any case, beware of pickpockets.

Zoo

If you are an animal lover or you came with Children Your next destination is the zoo, which is located right next to the lake. You will recognize it by the huge artificial rock that rises to a height of about 70 meters. The renovated zoo is the largest in France and has over 1,000 animals of all sizes and types. The park opens daily at 09:30 and in the winter months from 10:00. A full-price ticket costs 20 euros. Expensive but worth it.

Buying a ticket to the zoo

If you would like to order tickets in advance and not stand in line at the box office, you are welcome to come in. Link to this.

Vincennes Castle

From the zoo area you can take bus number 46 which will take you a short trip north to the area of ​​Vincennes Castle and the flower park. CHATEAU DE VINCENNES which can be reached from the center of Paris via metro line 1 is called Versailles of the Middle Ages and thanks to the impressive complex around it, the Forest of Vincennes has a much greater historical richness than its twin brother – the Forest of Boulogne.

The castle is a kind of medieval architectural jewel, partly original and partly remarkably restored. Around the walls is a moat with a total length of more than a kilometer. The fortified castle was built by King Philip IV, and completed in 4 by Charles V. Starting in 1369, Mazarin, the appointed governor of Vincennes, added a row of symmetrical royal pavilions surrounding the central square.

The main watchtower from the 14th century rises to a height of 52 meters. Since the beginning of the 16th century, the place has undergone several transformations and has been used, among other things, as a prison and a porcelain factory. During the Napoleonic era, the castle was converted into a huge weapons depot. In 1660, it was Louis XIV His honeymoon at the King's Pavilion. The English King Henry V died while imprisoned there, while the Marquis de Sade, Diderot and Mirabeau were imprisoned here.

In 1791, La Fayette prevented an angry mob from destroying the place, and in 1814, General Domnile refused to surrender and hand over the castle to the Allies. In 1917, the spy Mata Hari was executed here.

The complex is currently home to two Museums Small: The Hunters' Museum and the Museum of Military Symbols.

Buying a ticket to Vincennes Castle

If you would like to buy tickets to the castle and its museums without waiting in line, you are welcome to go toLink this.

The Chapel Royal

King Charles V began construction of the chapel in the 14th century, but its construction was only completed in the 16th century by Henry II. The Gothic-style building was inspired by the Church of Sainte Chapelle The famous and incorporates spectacular stained glass windows with images of the end of the days of St. John and scenes from the Day of Judgment. They were restored and renewed during the 19th century. The chapel has spectacular rose windows and a rather handsome nave.

Paris Flower Park

At the end of your visit to the fortified and walled compound of the castle, exit through the back entrance, cross the road and you will find yourself at the entrance to the PARCE FLORAL DE PARIS, which covers over 300 dunams and contains hundreds of types of flowers and plants, some of which are very special. The park was established following the flower show held here in 1969.

Overall, it is a beautiful combination of art and nature. The character of the park changes according to the seasons, but at its center is the Four Seasons Garden, which blooms all year round. It is actually a large and complex botanical park with a variety of plants, trees and flowers. Hundreds of varieties of flowers of all types, colors and sizes can be found here. Among them: irises, orchids, lotus flowers, an impressive dahlia garden, water lilies and special and diverse medicinal plants.

The flower garden also contains a large playground for children to enjoy. Musical performances are held on summer evenings and art exhibitions are held here several times a year. The park opens daily at 09:30 AM.

What else can you see in Vincennes Forest?

After you've finished all the main attractions of the forest, you'll probably need a rest. But if you still have the energy to continue or want to dedicate another day to this pleasant area, the Vincennes Forest has a few more interesting things to offer.

Lake of Minimes (LAC DES MINIMES)

Lake Minne is the second largest lake in the forest and is located in its northeastern part. Those who like to walk can reach it on foot from the Parc des Flowers or alternatively take bus line 114 and get off at the PORTE JAUNE station. Those who wish to reach this lake directly from central Paris can do so by taking the RER A2 suburban train and getting off at the FONTENAY-SOUS-BOIS station.

Lake Minne has three islands, only one of which is connected by a pedestrian bridge in Port Jean. You can also rent a boat on this lake and sail around the islands.

Lake San Manda

On the northwest side of the forest is LAC DE ST. MANDE. This is a small, quiet and pastoral lake used mainly by the children of the town of Saint-Mande. Getting here is by taking line 1 of the metro and getting off two stops before the castle at ST. MANDE TOURELLE station.

Hippodrome

If you are a gambling enthusiast or just want to watch a horse race, you are invited to the Vincennes Forest Hippodrome, located in the southeastern part of the forest near the Marne River. You can get here by taking the RER A2 suburban train and getting off at the JOINVILLE LE PONT station. Horse races are held in the evenings, information on race times can be obtained by calling: 0149771717.