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The fortress castle in Vincennes originates from the 13th century. To strengthen the site, the castle was greatly enlarged replacing the earlier site in the later 14th century. A donjon tower, 52 meters high, the tallest medieval fortified structure of Europe, was added by Philip VI of France, a work that was started about 1373. The grand rectangular circuit of walls, was completed by the Valois about two generations later (c. 1410). The donjon served as a residence for the royal family, and its buildings are known to have once held the library and personal study of Charles V. Henry V of England died in the donjon in 1422 following the siege of Meaux.
The photo shows the exterior of the donjon.
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