Self-guided tour

The classic tour! Discover the monuments at your own pace.

  • Season 2026 :
    11,5€ / person
    Free for under-18s and 18-25s (EU nationals and legal residents)

  • 35 per group (guide included)

  • tour documents available in French, English, Spanish, German and Italian

  • Every day

  • E-ticketing pro

Presentation

A symbol of the modern state.

The building asserts royal power: it protects the capital but also guarantees the kings against its uprisings. It was the heart of the French monarchy until 1682, when Louis XIV preferred Versailles. The keep was used as a prison from the 16th century until the 19th century: Fouquet, the Marquis de Sade and Mirabeau were all held there. Transformed into barracks and an arsenal by Napoleon I, the fortress protected Paris during the invasions of the 19th century.

Payment methods

Payment in advance by credit card or bank transfer using the  advance ticket service

Practical information

Individual visit:

  • Come to the monument during opening hours

Group visits:

  • Online booking is mandatory for groups of 8 or more people, and there is no minimum group size for groups wishing to have a right to speak. To book your slot, create an account or log in to your account on our professional online ticketing platform. The booking calendar is open until 31 December 2026.
  • If you would like to book a tour at a time slot different than those offered online, please contact the monument’s booking office directly at reservations.vincennes@monuments-nationaux.fr.
  • Your group may be accompanied by its own guide. To do so, the guide must have a valid professional guide's card and be wearing the badge authorising him or her to lead the tour.

Contacts