Vincennes is a charming town located in the east of France near Paris. The town is full of historic buildings and monuments, as well as plenty of green spaces and parks perfect for a family outing. Not to mention, the town is also home to the world’s oldest Zoo! Here are some ideas of kid-friendly things to do in Vincennes:
Visit the Zoo – As mentioned, the Zoo in Vincennes is the world’s oldest, dating back to 1794! Kids will love seeing all the different animals, from tigers and lions to monkeys and flamingos.
Explore the Chateau de Vincennes – This imposing castle is one of the largest in France and is definitely worth a visit. Kids will love exploring the turrets and ramparts, as well as learning about the castle’s fascinating history.
Stroll around Le Jardin des Plantes – This beautiful botanical gardens is the perfect place to take a stroll on a sunny day. kids will love spotting all the different flowers and trees, as well as the resident ducks!
Take a boat trip on the Marne River – A boat trip is a great way to see the sights of Vincennes from a different perspective. Kids will love being on the water and spotting all the different landmarks along the way.
Visit the Museum of the History of Vincennes – This museum is perfect for kids who are interested in learning about the town’s rich history. From its Roman roots to its time as a royal residence, there’s plenty to discover at this museum.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Vincennes, France
1. Head to the Jardin des Plantes for a day of nature and exploring. This large botanical garden is home to over 10,000 plant species, a rose garden, a pond, and plenty of green space to run around in.
2. Visit the Château de Vincennes, a large 14th-century castle that was once used as a royal residence. Today, it houses a museum with artifacts from the castle’s history.
3. Check out the Musée de l’Armée, a military museum located in the Hôtel des Invalides. The museum has an extensive collection of weaponry, armor, and other military artifacts.
4. For a taste of local history, visit the Maison du Roi, a 17th-century townhouse that was once the home of King Claude of France. Today, it houses a museum with exhibits on the history of Vincennes.
5. Take a stroll through the Parc de Vincennes, a large park that is home to the Château de Vincennes, the Jardin des Plantes, and the Musée de l’Armée. The park is also a great place for picnics and other outdoor activities.
6. Visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de Vincennes, a Gothic cathedral dating back to the 13th century. The basilica houses the tomb of Saint Louis IX, as well as a museum with artifacts from the cathedral’s history.
7. Learn about the history of the tobacco industry at the Musée du Tabac, located in an 18th-century tobacco factory. The museum has exhibits on the production of tobacco, as well as the social and economic history of the tobacco industry.
8. For a taste of the arts, head to the Centre Pompidou-Metz, a branch of the famous Pompidou Centre in Paris. The centre houses a museum with exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, as well as a theatre and a library.
9. Take a ride on the Vélorail du Val de Vienne, a train that runs on a rails through the countryside. The train offers views of the nearby châteaux, as well as the opportunity to stop and explore the villages along the way.
10. Visit the Maison de la Culture et de la Communication, a cultural centre that houses a library, a theatre, and a cinema. The centre also offers a variety of courses and workshops on topics such as art, history, and literature.
