Let’s discover the early history of the sister city of Vincennes, France on the Wabash river in the southeastern part of Indiana.
French exploration before the settlement of Vincennes
The French explored the new world at an early time. Jacques Cartier left St. Malo to explore the new world and was the first to claim territory (land near the St. Lawrence river) for France in 1534 in the name of King Francis I.
Another French explorer, René Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle, born in Normandy claimed part of the Mississippi river basin, and called it La Louisiane in 1682 for Louis XIV. (Sieur is a French title of nobility acquired with the purchase of territory.) He claimed Texas as part of the French territory. It remained French for three years. He also traveled down the St. Joseph river in Michigan in 1679 in the north. In the south, traders from North and South Carolina and Pennsylvania settled along the Ohio and Wabash rivers.
The old fort was built on the Wabash river by François Morgane de Vincenne in 1702 between what is now the Catholic Church square and the river and Barnett Street and Vigo street. It was built of logs and remained until 1820. The town grew around the fort and the first church west of the Alleghany mountains.
Who lived on this territory before the permanent settlement?
Before the French settled in the area of Vincennes, indigenous peoples inhabited the area for thousands of years. Local Indian groups such as the Shawnee, the Wabash, and the Miami tribes drove them out. Before the first settlement of the white settlers, Jesuit missionaries visited the whole territory. The French always settled and explored with the sword and the Jesuit missionary, converting the indigenous to Christianity.
The first European settlers were the French, who are thought to have come here in 1609. Some say the traders came here in 1690, stayed and married Indians, raising families. Other say traders and explorers came here as early as 1680.
Thus Vincennes became Indiana’s oldest continually inhabited European settlement and with this French settlement, one of the oldest settlements west of the Appalachias
François Bissot, sieur de la Rivière
François Bissot, sieur de la Rivière, bought land in the lordship (seigneurie) of Vincennes in Canada in 1670, for his sons, Jean-Baptiste and Charles-François, both in the army for “la Nouvelle France.” François Bissot de la Rivière was from Pont Audemer, Normandy like several families living in “La Nouvelle France” Canada.
Before this land in Canada was called the “seigneurie” de Vincennes, it was named Cap-St. Claude. Today, there is only a village called St. Luc de Vincennes in the province of Quebec, with more than 500 inhabitants.
François Bissot sieur de la Rivière became François de Vincennes when he acquired the land that he called Vincennes in Canada. Jean-Baptiste inherited the lordship of Vincennes when François, his father, died, and received the name ‘Bissot de Vinsenne.
The Lieutenant General of Montreal, Sieur Juchereau founded a trading post with the Indians about fifty miles from the town of Vincennes in Indiana in 1702. When he died the post was abandoned for a post in La Louisiane. They were part of the French colony of the Illinois county of New France.
François Marie Bissot Mogane, Sieur de Vincennes
And François Bissot de la Rivière’s son, François Marie Bissot Mogane, Sieur de Vincennes founded the first permanent settlement, a fur trading and military post in 1702. François Marie Bissot, a French military officier was born in Canada. He didn’t stay long, but he came back, as he was ordered to do so by the French government in a letter from King Louis XIV dated 1731. He was an ensign in the Carignan-Salières regiment in the service of the King of France.
In 1731, it seems François Marie Bissot sieur de Vincennes built the fort again. The Indian tribes of the Wabash country were friendly and helped them build the fort and the church. He asked the Piankashaw Indians, members of the Miami nation to settle next to the fort.
The town was never called Vincennes until 1736. It was named after the French officer, François Marie Bissot Morgane de Vincennes. He was killed in a disastrous battle with the Chicksaw Indians. He was burned at the stake on Easter Sunday 1736. Instead of fleeing with his troops, he had refused to leave his wounded soldiers. From then on, it was called Vincennes to honor the sacrifice he made for them.
French-Indian war
During the French-Indian war (lasting seven years), the French fought the British. The Indians helped both sides. The fort was ceded to the British in 1763 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. At the time, the territory east of the Mississippi river was ceded to the British. The French lost all of their territory in mainland North America. When the British took over, the French were not eager to cooperate with the British.
The American Revolutionary war
In 1779 Virginia troops took over the fort under the command of George Rogers Clark from Albemarle county, Virginia. A French Jesuit had visited them beforehand, and let them know about the American commander of the Virginia troops coming. As most of the American army were Scottish and Irish, and got along with the French, all being against the British, the French cooperated with the American power. Vincennes remained part of the Commonwealth of Virginia until 1781. At the point, the flag with Sic Semper Tyrannis was raised. Several French women had made the new flag.
Indiana becomes a state
In 1800, when Indiana became a territory, Vincennes became its capital. William Henry Harrison became its first governor and the ninth president of the United States. Vincennes was capital of the Indiana territory from March 7, 1800 until 1813. Indiana became the sixteenth state on December 11, 1816.
In this blog article, you will meet some of the important and interesting people who have trod the grounds in Vincennes. As it happens, they lived or passed through Vincennes and left an imprint on Vincennes and had an effect on the world. And another way of seeing a place is to see who these people were and what they did. What better way to let them live again than to talk about them, making them less invisible.
Soon after, the place starts to take on a personality when you know about these people. From that point on, it is no longer just a place with some buildings. Interestingly, people lived for all different reasons and purposes. You will find some of them buried in the cemetery of Vincennes. Let’s see who they were.
Government, Military
Jules Mazarin
-(1602-1661), born in Abruzzi, Italy, was the chief minister for the regent Anne from Austria at the death of Louis XIII in 1643 and became governor of the Vincennes castle in 1652. Further he remained minister for the young king LouisXIV (at the Vincennes castle) when he became king in June 1654. He died after a long illness at the Vincennes castle, the 9th of March 1661 having been a man who served the French monarchy more than most anyone but hated by many. Ultimately, the king inherited Mazarin’s fortune of 35 million pounds. Finally, Louis XIV abolished the position of premier minister after Mazarin’s death and he became an absolute monarch.
Pierre Daumesnil
-(1776-1832). One of Napoleon’s important generals. His statue is in front of the town hall, “rue de Marigny”. Pierre Daumesnil, became a general in Napoleon’s army during the First Empire and the Restoration period. He had lost his leg in a previous battle. Moreover, Napoleon was grateful to Daumesnil for saving his life two times.
Having been made protector of Vincennes in 1812 and then, governor of Vincennes, he defended and held the Vincennes fort against the coalition (Austria, Prussia, Russia and Sweden). In 1814, despite the insistence of a Russian envoy, he refused to surrender the Vincennes fortress, even after the abdication of Napoleon. Once again in 1815, Daumesnil refused to give up the Vincennes fortress to the Prussians. Later, he was promoted to Lieutenant General in February of 1831. On the 17th of August 1832, he died of cholera in Vincennes. In the Vincennes cemetery, a commemorative pyramidal column was put up at his tomb in 1834.
Marshal Ferdinand Foch
-(1851-1929), supremecommander of the Allied forces and militarytheorist. Additionally, he signed the armistice at theend of the First World War (November 11, 1918), and was made a British field marshal in 1919. Moreover, he taught military history, strategy and general tactics at the war college from 1885 and was the French theorist on offensive strategies. Avenue Marigny, now Avenue Foch in Vincennes was his home near the end of the 19th century. He died on March 20th1929 and was buried in Les Invalides next to Napoleon and other French soldiers. If you want to know more go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_Foch
General Henri Descoins
-(1869-1930), descendant of the painter HenryEugène Delacroix on his mother’s side (her brother), was a brigadier general and a military writer. Interestingly, he played a role in the founding of Albania. To add to that, he is the author of numerous studies on horseback riding and the military. Ultimately, he died in Algiers the 10th of May 1930 and is buried in the Vincennes cemetery
Literature, Poetry, Music, Cinema, Theater.
Alfred Victor de Vigny
-(1797-1863) coming from a military family, he was a military officer at Vincennes and later wrote about Vincennes, having been a witness of an explosion August 17, 1819. He was a writer of novels, a playwright and a poet belonging to the romantic movement. He also apparently contributed to the historical novel.
Hector Berlioz
(1803-1869) stayed in Vincennes not far from the royal park after his marriage with Harriet Simpson. He was a romanticcomposer and a well-known conductor. Who hasn’t heard some of his music? One of his more famous pieces is “Symphonie Fantastique” dedicated to Nicolas 1er of Russia. A little music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HgqPpjIH5c
Henri Plessis
-(1839-1907), was a lyric singer, and a comedian in cabarets and the theater. Interestingly, he was a well-known imitator of Napoleon Bonaparte. And it is difficult to find a lot of information on him. After retiring in Vincennes in1906, he died in Vincennes in November 1907 and is buried in the Vincennes cemetery.
Maxime Villemer
-(alias Anne Violet Francey) (1841-1923) was a prolific writer and novelist of serialized novels at a time when it was difficult for women writers. She also published in “The Petit Journal”. Interestingly, her novels were published under the pseudonym, Maxime Villemer. Although she is one of the most prolific, it is difficult to find much biographical information about her.
She died on the 27th of April 1923 and is buried in Vincennes. Unfortunately, she is hardly remembered as is the case for many women from that era. Many women took on a male pseudonym to get their work published. https://data.bnf.fr/fr/12731976/maxime_villemer/
Jacques Bainville
He was a historian, and was born rue de Fontenay the 9th of February1879 and died in 1936. The house he lived in, rue de Fontenay has a commemorative plaque on it. Importantly, the famous “Academie Française” – guardian of the French language – received him as a member.
Charles Pathé
-(1863-1957) (family in Vincennes since 1865) made Vincennes world famous capitalof cinema, where he founded workshops (film manufacturing) and a film recording studio in 1896. (Eastman-Kodak bought Pathé in 1927 and became Kodak-Pathé.) Vincennes was the center of thefilm industry until the middle of the 20th century. He is buried in the Vincennes cemetery.
André Brunot
– was born in 1879, and lived in Vincennes from 1939 until he died in 1973. His career at the “Comedie Française” (state theater created in 1680 by Louis XIV) started in 1903. Then, he became “sociétaire” in 1910, and was “doyen” from 1939 to 1944 (the “doyen” is responsible for upholding the values, principles and practices). Moreover, he starred in more than 20 films. (his plaque is at 54, avenue de Paris).
Jean Rochefort
– actor, lived in Vincennes during the 1940s and died in 2017. He had a long career and made a lot of films from 1956 to 2015 and played a lot in the theater from 1953 to 2007. Remarkably, he won many awards including three César awards.
Even a Healer, Jean Sempé
–mystical healer born in 1818. and died on the 9th of January 1892 in Vincennes, having moved there in 1883. Through the writings of his biographer, Abbot Julio, he became known. He supposedly miraculously healed numerous sick people without asking for money. To this day many come to visit his grave.
And what’s next?
Of course, they are many more, but I didn’t want to make it too long. The town is a popular place to live, and currently there are several actors, musicians, etc. living in Vincennes. For the America festivalevery two years, the town hosts writers for at least three months. The next one is in September 2026.
Soon more blog articles…. What about Vincennes’ sister city in the US? And what about those who stayed in the prison? The next article could be anything. It will be a surprise.
Meet some of the people in their shops and restaurants. What’s more, they are not far from the town hall and the church (Notre-Dame de Vincennes). Not to mention, it is nice to have a few addresses you can go to when you are visiting a town or city you don’t know. However, I am only giving you the ones I am familiar with. When I get to know a new one, I will add it to the list. To conclude why not find something in the shops to have a picnic in the “Bois de Vincennes”, if you are here when the weather is pleasant.
In the rue de Midi (starts next to the “Cours de Marigny” and the town hall)
Fresh roasted coffee, tea, gourmet foods and chocolate
La BRÛLERIE DE MIDI run by a nice couple, Dominique and Stephan, for 18 years (3, rue de Midi) is the only coffee roasting shop in Vincennes. The shop also has tea, various gourmet foods, chocolates and sweets. You will also find other items such as teapots and coffee makers. If you need gifts, you will find ideas here. http://bruleriedumidi.free.fr/
Chocolate, ice cream and macarons.
JEFF de BRUGGES has been in Vincennes for 22 years (1ter, rue de Midi – on the corner of rue de Midi and rue Raymond de Temple). They have absolutely scrumptious Belgium chocolates and ice cream (when the weather is warmer) from Bruges, Belgium, and in the winter, luscious hot chocolate. There is a macaron shop, Aux Merveilleux de Fred, (1, rue de Midi) where they have mouth-watering macarons and other traditional pastries. https://auxmerveilleux.com/vincennes/fr/ They are next to an ice cream shop La Crème (1bis, rue de Midi) that makes delicious ice cream.
Musical instruments and a music library
Near the church, Notre-Dame de Vincennes, and on the Church Square, you shouldn’t miss the music and musical instrument shop and workshop, LARGHETTO (84-86 rue Raymond de Temple) run by Gaël and Guillaume. The shop has been around for over 40 years. Guillaume repairs and restores musical instruments (plucked and bowed stringed instruments). They can repair, restore and fabricate some string instruments and have all kinds of accessories. Gaêl is a specialist of a large selection of sheet music from over 150 editors.
Besides violins, cellos, violoncellos, double bass, violas, violas de gamba, and guitars of all kinds, you might find some unusual instruments such as a mandolin, a lute, a ukulele, a balalaika and wind instruments such as flutes, saxophones, clarinets, trombones and trumpets. They also have music keyboards. Additionally, they are specialists of smaller instruments for children. Feel free to ask them any question you might have. And ask them about any instrument you might be looking for. https://www.larghetto-musique.fr/
Rue de Fontenay:
If you turn left on rue de Fontenay, after the Café de Marigny, you will find “ROTISSERIE TESTA”(67, rue de Fontenay). A “rotisserie” is a shop where they serve freshly roasted meat. Here you will find excellent quality tasty roast chicken and meat among a nice selection of other delicious freshly-made homemade foods and charcuterie. Frédéric Testa and family, who have been there since 1968, will serve you with a smile.
Bookstore and events
Keep on walking down rue de Fontenay until you get to a rather large bookshop, MILLE PAGES (91, rue de Fontenay), founded by Francis Geffard in 1980. There are several events every month, evenings with authors (some of them English-speaking) and films for example. You will find postcards, if you need them. They also participate in the English speaking book fair and conference, Festival America every two years. The next festival will be in September 2026. https://www.millepages.fr
French
If you want good traditional French food, you should go to “LA TABLE DE TROYES” (2, avenue de Paris, across from the castle), one of my favorite restaurants. This restaurant is a “rotisserie”, a “brasserie” and a traditional French restaurant. So you can find succulent roast and grilled meat (family(free-range) and French production), sauerkraut, seafood, duck, fondue, foie gras among other dishes. They also make their own ice cream and have homemade deserts. https://www.la-table-des-troys.com/carte-menus
Chinese
The best Chinese takeout in Vincennes since 1995 is CHEZ KIM on 25, rue de Montreuil. After Mille Pages bookstore keep on walking(on the left side of the street) until you get to rue de Montreuil and then, turn left. And there it is, on the opposite side of the street. I have been going there since I first came here when my flatmate told me it was the best Chinese takeout in Vincennes. They take great care in what they make. Now the younger generation has taken over under Alexi since 2014. Additionally, there are moderately priced lunch menus and meal boxes (such as Bo-Bun, Pho, etc.) you can try. https://fr.restaurantguru.com/Chez-Kim-Vincennes
Lebanese
Try homemade Lebanese food at MIAM MIAM (18, rue de Montreuil). Khadija and Mohamed running the restaurant since the end of 2010 will be glad to serve you some typical Lebanese food. Find the usual Chawarma, Falafel, Kebbe, Taboulé, Baklava, and menus among quite a selection. You can dine in or order to takeout.
Italian
And if you want to see a couple of Italian restaurants across from the castle, at 22, rue de Paris, you will find BARTO, with nice sized portions. https://barto-pizza.fr/ Another style of Italian restaurant, more expensive but quite good, DEL POZZO, is at 2, rue de Paris.
Thai street food
Why not try a Thai run Asian street food, sushi and poke bar shop called PAPY LEE at the Monoprix supermarket on rue de Montreuil! Pat is one of the very pleasant and helpful people to serve you (afternoon/evening). Sometimes, they have samples for you to taste. There is a large selection to choose from including Dim Sum, wok, finger and rotisserie food. There is a microwave oven to warm up whatever food you decide to get. https://papylee.com/
And a Pharmacy for your various needs:
If you need a pharmacy for any reason, you should go to 33, rue de Fontenay, where you will find LA BONNE NOUVELLE and some very nice, friendly and helpful people. The pharmacy belonging to Mme Coeuille has been there since 2010. She is helped by Neha, Amandine, Sophia, Sonia and Alicea. It is the pharmacy I prefer to go to. Besides being a pharmacy, they also have organic and vegan products. They also deal with phytotherapy, homeopathy, skin and hair products, vitamins, products for babies and even perfume among other things.
For all of the above, you can mention that you found their address on my website.
My first travel blog article is about the royal town and castle of Vincennes. In this article, you will find a brief description of what there is to see in Vincennes. Indeed, you can get an idea of the area before you come to visit it. All things considered, your visit will be more enriching and interesting.
Why come to Vincennes?
Most importantly, Vincennes, its castle, woods and the surrounding area have a rich heritage to discover. And the area has played an important role in French history. Moreover, you can also take advantage of many cultural and artistic events depending on when you decide to come.
Explore the area.
Why not take your time to explore Vincennes and the area instead of rushing through a castle visit on a tour of several Parisian sites ? You can also take advantage of several activities including those geared towards children. Additionally, you can rent bicycles in several areas around Vincennes. You can use them so as to visit the town and the “Bois de Vincennes”(Vincennes woods) nearby. There are also boats to rent for two of the lakes in the Vincennes woods. More later.
Metro and Tourist office
If you come by metro, get off at the last stop of LINE ONE, “Château de Vincennes. » Stop off at the Tourist Office (Office de Tourisme) across from the castle at 28 rue de Paris to get information (maps of the town, the Vincennes woods and a map of what to visit) about what to see and do and buy tickets if needed. What are some various options to see the town ? : start on your own with maps, and/or guided tours, audio guided tours, heritage circuits (for example, architectural styles throughout Vincennes ( 19th century and Art-Deco)), free information signpost circuits, enigmatic fun circuits, treasure hunts with an audio guide and a street art tour. Here is a site in English: https://www.vincennes-tourisme.fr/en/
Creation of Vincennes
Important dates for Vincennes: In 1787 : creation of the town of Vincennes. In 1790, the parish of « la Pissotte » became part of the town of Vincennes. In 1796, transferral of the Arsenal to the Vincennes castle probably saved the castle from being demolished.
What to see in and around Vincennes :
The Vincennes castle (Château de Vincennes) and the chapel (Sainte Chapelle)
Let’s look at a few facts. First, the Vincennes castle as one of the few remaining castles still standing has a rich and important history. So interestingly, several French kings lived here, including an English king, Henry V who died in the castle in 1422. The medieval castle once surrounded by forests has a keep of 50 meters (highest fortress in Europe). It is a rectangle of defensive walls and 14 acres surrounded by moats and nine towers. It also has a drawbridge, wide moat, inner courtyard, dungeon and a beautiful Gothic and Renaissance chapel, the”Sainte Chapelle”. https://www.familinparis.fr/en/vincennes-castle-visit-2/
The Vincennes castle and the Sainte Chapelle can be visited on a guided tour or not. There is also a historical military heritage archive library in existence since the 18th century open to free visits. The King’s Residence is also a Minister of Defense library harboring expositions with a library you can visit for free. There are concerts, conferences and exhibitions. And during the school holidays there is entertainment for children.
The “Sainte Chapelle”
The Sainte Chapelle was to harbor the relics of the Passion of Christ. For that purpose, King Louis IX had had a small chapel built in 1237 to house the relics of the Passion of Christ arriving from Constantinople on the way to Paris. The crown of thorns arrived in 1239 and other relics in 1241. Before taking the relics to the Sainte Chapelle in Paris, Louis IX kept some thorns and later added the True Cross for the Vincennes Sainte Chapelle.
In 1379, King Charles V founded the ‘Sainte Chapelle’ (a transition between a rayonnant Gothic style and a flamboyant Gothic style). King Charles V wanted Vincennes to be a royal town with the chapel. The Sainte Chapelle was to protect the royal residence and the dynasty. In 1379, the architect Raymond de Temple created the plan for it after that of the Sainte Chapelle in Paris. They did not finish the chapel construction before 1559.
Town hall (Mairie de Vincennes), 53 bis rue de Fontenay
Eugene Calinard was the architect of the town hall in the Neo-Renaissance style in 1891 (part of the building on the Cours Marigny). Later, in 1935, extensions were built in the art-deco style (part of the building on the rue de Fontenay-main entrance). Markedly, the interior in a 30s art-deco style has a monumental staircase and a glass dome. Then, the paintings by Marcel Chabas in the wedding room show the castle, the town hall, the Vincennes woods, and Daumesnil lake. https://locations.filmfrance.net/location/city-vincennes-city-hallglobal-information
Nôtre Dame Church, 82 rue de Raymond du Temple
The construction of the Vincennes Notre Dame church (next to the town hall) by the architect Jean-Baptiste Cicéron Lesueur began in 1829 and finished in 1832. As the town grew, there were additions built in 1896 and 1934. At last, the final additions were a crypt and chapels on its sides in the 1950s. Interestingly, next to the church is a recently made Church square (used to be a street) made ‘piazza’ style. This type of architecture seems to attract more people, making it a friendlier place.
St. Louis Church, 22 rue Faÿs
Another interesting building to visit is the Saint Louis Church of a neo-byzantine style. It has the form of a Greek cross with a octogonal dome. Jacques Droz and Joseph Marrast designed the church (consecrated in 1924) in 1912. The construction started in 1914 and finished in 1924. Moreover, concerning the interior, Maurice Denis, George Desvallières and Henri Marret did the fresques, and Maurice Dhomme, the ceramics. Carlo Sarrabezolles and Armand Boutrolles did the sculptures, and Raymond Subes, the wrought-iron work.
Old Cemetery, 1 rue de Fontenay
In the old cemetery, some noteworthy people are buried (Michel Pathé – the king of cinema, General Daumesnil, who defended the Vincennes castle against the Prussians for Napoleon in 1814). The tomb of Jean Sempé, mystic healer, is frequently visited. Some of the previous mayors of Vincennes are also buried there. There are several monuments and steles to those dead in different wars (the French-Prussian war, 1914-1918, 1939-1945, and AFN-Algeria (1954-1962), and for the people deported during the Second World War. Originally the cemetery was next to the Notre Dame church destroyed in 1795. Before the new Notre Dame church was built in 1835, the cemetery was transferred to where it is now.
Statue of Saint Louis
The statue of Saint Louis is in front of the castle on the right (rue de Paris and avenue de Général de Gaulle) (sculpture by Adolphe Mony in 1906) It was given to the city of Vincennes by the city of Paris to commemorate the return of the ashes of St. Louis to France. St. Louis (Louis IX) (born 1214 – died 1270) became king in 1226. Interestingly, he held public sessions under an oak tree in the Vincennes woods to arbitrate and settle conflicts. The oak tree is thought to be near the hippodrome (race track). Finally, he died at Carthage, Tunisia during a crusade. (Unfortunately, the statue of Saint Louis has been displaced during the renovation work.)
Statue of General Pierre Daumesnil
The bronze statue made after a sculpture by Louis Rochet shows General Pierre Daumesnil when he was defending the castle in 1814 against the Prussians. He had lost his leg in a previous battle. Charles Garnier created the pedestal. Charles Malifat cast the statue inaugurated in 1873. In 1891, it was transferred to its present spot to stand in front of the present town hall, Cours de Marigny.
“Parc Floral” in the Vincennes Woods (Bois de Vincennes)
The Vincennes Woods has belonged to the city of Paris since 1860. Look at its map to locate the different sites to visit including the Parc Floral.
It has a botanical garden (Parc Floral) across from the castle and next to the military Fort Neuf. It is across from the castle not far from the bus and metro station. The “Parc Floral” has exhibitions, gardens with different themes, and horticulture. From June to September, there are classical and jazz concerts, and a group of concerts called Pesticles.
In the Botanical Garden, there is a special Nature house including a library with games. In addition, the Butterfly Garden with 50 to 100 species is in a tropical garden hothouse.. There is special itinerary where you can visit a humid or tropical zone, an urban space, an insect hotel, birdhouses, hives. Every month there are planned activities for children. You can also play mini-golf in the garden. In English: https://www.familinparis.fr/en/floral-park-vincennes/
Guignol du Parc Floral
There is a special area for children to play. There is a well-known puppet (marionnette) called the “Guignol du Parc Floral”, that has existed since 1808. The “Guignol” character dates from the 19th century. There are a number of performances for children from the age of 2. You can see them from 3pm to 4pm on Wednesdays, weekends and school holidays.
What else is there in the Vincennes Woods?
After the Parc Floral, other places to experience are the Vincennes Zoo, the Hippodrome, the Boudhist pagoda, the ‘Palais de la Porte Dorée (The Golden Door Palace) with its Museum of Immigration and Aquarium and the Marionettes de Paris (interactive puppet show).
If you like an old style puppet show, you should go see The Marionnettes de Paris (puppet show interacting with the audience) at St. Mandé. It probably originated at the beginning of the last century. It was an open theater until the 1990s. You will find it at the edge of the Vincennes Woods (à l’orée du bois de Vincennes) behind the St Mandé town hall and St. Mandé lake. Nearby, there are ponies, carousels and then, possible boat rental on the lake nearby.
Vincennes Zoo
The recently renovated zoo of 14.5 hectares at Saint Mandé/Paris first opened on June 2, 1934 as part of the Museum of Natural History in Paris. Due for renovation, it closed November 30th 2008 and reopened in April 2014. It had 2,500 animals and 234 species in 2021. As the larger animals need more space to accommodate them, some of them can not always be seen. To get there from Vincennes, you can take the bus 46 or the 325 at the bus station near the metro and get off at Vincennes Zoo.
Do you want to go to the races?
The Hippodrome of Vincennes (horse race track) started hosting horse races in 1863. The Hippodrome of 42 hectares has a track of 1,975m and another of 1,325m for night races. The ‘Prix d’Amérique’ harness race started in 1879 is one of the many races held here, including the saddle trot. Today, you can bet on races starting at 2€. To get there, take the Bus 112 at the Vincennes metro-bus station and get off at Carrefour-de-Beauté and turn right into ‘Route de la Ferme’ leading to the racetrack. And you can find lunch and dinner, fine dining or food trucks to eat. A link to see what is happening: https://www.vincennes-hippodrome.com/fr/
The Golden Door Palace
Another interesting place to go is the ‘Palais de la Porte Dorée’ (the Golden Door Palace) on the edge of the Vincennes woods. Previously, this palace housed the world colonial expo of 1931. Today, it houses the museum of immigration history and a tropical aquarium. Recently, a terrarium has been added to the aquarium. Interestingly, the building of 17,000 m is a good representation of and one of the first of the art-deco style. Finally, it became the National Museum of Immigration in 2012. To get there, get off at the metro stop or bus 46 stop: Porte Dorée.
The Buddhist pagoda and temple.
The Buddhist pagoda in the Vincennes Woods has a magnificent TibetanBuddhist temple of Kagyu-Dzong built between 1983 and 1985, with the largest Buddha in Europe (9 meters high – almost 30ft high) and completely covered with goldleaf. The architect was Jean-Luke Massot. The pagoda, whose architect was Louis-Hippolyte Boileau, is in two former buildings (Cameroun and Togo) of the colonial exhibition in 1931. The Cameroun pavillon was restored in 1977 and inaugurated by Jacques Chirac in 1977. The Togo pavillon, still needs to be restored, will house a library of books of different Buddhist traditions. So how to get there : The nearest metro, bus, or tram station is Porte Dorée. From Vincennes, take the Bus 46 stop: Porte Dorée. https://www.bouddhisme-france.org/la-grande-pagode/activites-a-la-pagode/
And even more in the Vincennes woods?
An arboretum, a tropical garden, a farm, bird reserves, four lakes, boat and bicycle rental, and pony rides. For instance, the Arboretum of Paris is a botanical garden of trees near the Hippodrome (2000 trees and 800 different species). To get an idea, here is a link to the Arboretum: https://www.familinparis.fr/en/paris-arboretum/ The Paris Farm (5 hectares) is near the Hippodrome. The gardens of the École de Breuil (Botany school) can be visited by the public every day. And that isn’t all…..
Do you like the theater?La Cartoucherie
Originally, La Cartoucherie was built in 1874 to manufacture arms and gun powder. It stopped manufacturing in the 1940s following a signed convention in 1947 to demilitarize the zone. In 1970, Ariane Mnouchkine transformed the buildings to be used for the theater. Her theater group was the Théatre de Soleil. Today, there are four theaters “Théâtre de l’Aquarium”, “ Théâtre du Soleil”,“Théâtre de l’Épée du Bois”, “Théâtre de la Tempête and a workshop, the “Atelier de Paris –Carolyn Carlson”. You can get there with the bus 112 (stop: La Cartoucherie) or a navette from the Château de Vincennes bus/metro station. A link: http://www.lacartoucherie.fr/fr/index.html
And more about Vincennes….
After that, why not take advantage of a rich selection of cultural events and activities (theater, dance, and music) during your stay. For example, you can find concerts in different spots in Vincennes, including across from the town hall. (Building : Cœur de ville)
It means a lot more when you know more about the area you are visiting. It isn’t just about seeing a few buildings and monuments. After all, kings were drawn to this area to hunt and lived in the area for centuries. Brave men have fought for their country and others have created great things.
And what next……
So we have finished a brief overview of what you can experience in Vincennes. I hope you enjoyed this first glimpse of this interesting town. In the articles that follow, I will talk more about different aspects of Vincennes such as its history. You will see that this area has actively played a role in French history. You will also learn more about the area or what is happening. And then, how about some of the shops, restaurants, etc. and the people in them as you get to know Vincennes better. And then how about a glimpse at Vincennes’ sister town in Indiana, that interestingly existed before Vincennes in France?
Introducing my website and blog experience to you…. Of course, it is a new experience to explore and learn about. While I have acquired more knowledge doing it, I will still continue to better it. This means that my website could change its appearance overtime as I learn and discover new things and how to do them better.
The emergence of a website
When you are building a website, you go through a learning process. Technologically speaking, a lot is involved in creating a website behind the scenes. The more you know, the more you can make your site look better. There are a lot of things to learn. Unfortunately, there are also problems that can arise. Additionally, you need to be careful when combining different elements to avoid conflicts. Further along, you can suddenly find your site not working for x reasons. Perhaps you will need to resolve plugin conflict
Blog creation and SEO help
After the creation of the website, blog writing is also a new experience. So, I reserve the right to improve on a blog article, too. And as the blog is public, you want to take even more care as to how it is written and presented. I have improved SEO (search engine optimization) with a plugin called YOAST. This plugin guides and gives SEO advice through analysis in writing the content, and improving the readability. I can’t imagine the work that their team has put into creating this plugin and their constant improvement of it.
Some of my first articles
My first published blog article introduces Vincennes. After that, I will write about different aspects of Vincennes and the surrounding area. Thus, I hope they will interest you enough to make you want to visit. And you will see the area through different eyes. I will also write about other interesting things besides travel.
What about the golden thread of Ariadne, the name of the site?
The golden thread of Ariadne that Theseus used to find his way out of the labyrinth symbolises discovery in every sense. It seems appropriate for a blog about discovering new things. This approach leads to a new and different vision of a place you visit. Travel is one of the ways to discover new things as Marco Polo did during his long journey to China and back. Each thing we discover makes us different forever. We can no longer have the same view we had before.
