What remains of the Vaucouleurs castle?

The Porte de France and the crypt of the former castle chapel survive, surrounded by wall remnants and excavation grounds.

Why is Vaucouleurs castle linked to Joan of Arc?

Joan of Arc left Lorraine through the Porte de France on 23 February 1429 on her way to Chinon.

Is Vaucouleurs castle a listed historic monument?

Yes, the Porte de France and chapel have been classified since 1893, and the castle remains and excavation grounds have been listed since 1953.

How old is the castle?

The original castle dates back to the 11th century, with visible elements from the 13th century and a restoration of the Porte de France in 1733.

Vaucouleurs fortress

Vaucouleurs

Access

Partly open

Remains of the medieval fortress: ramparts, towers, the Porte de France (through which Joan of Arc left Vaucouleurs for Chinon), the castle chapel and a lime tree over 600 years old. Exterior visible all year round with information panels; chapel and crypt open on July and August afternoons; guided group tours by reservation (tourisme.cc-cvv@orange.fr, +33 3 29 89 51 82).

Source: Office de tourisme Commercy Void Vaucouleurs, courriel du 25 septembre 2026

Tickets and prices

Adult: €5

Free for Visite guidée : 5 € par personne, 3 € en groupe à partir de 6 personnes. Les vestiges extérieurs sont en accès libre.

Where: Vaucouleurs

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Forteresse de Vaucouleurs stands in Vaucouleurs (Meuse), in the Grand Est region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 14th century). Adult admission costs 5 EUR. Only part of the building can be visited.

In Vaucouleurs, in the Meuse department, stand the ruins of a medieval stronghold tied to Joan of Arc's departure for Chinon. The Porte de France, through which she left the town on 23 February 1429, and the crypt of the former castle chapel make up most of what remains today. The site preserves traces of a castle first built in the 11th century, later rebuilt and restored in the 18th century on the original wall foundations.

Written from Château de Vaucouleurs (Meuse)

What to know

Admission costs 5 euros for an adult.
The site consists of open-air ruins, best visited in dry weather.
Every year on 23 February, a medieval festival commemorates Joan of Arc's passage through the Porte de France.
The grounds include archaeological excavation areas around the ruins.
Opening hours and visit duration are not specified, so it is worth checking locally beforehand.

Practical information

Opening hours

Toute l’année: vestiges en extérieur, visibles librement, avec panneaux explicatifs ; visites guidées pour les groupes sur réservation
juillet et août: chapelle castrale et crypte ouvertes tous les jours de 13 h 30 à 17 h 30

Prices

Adult: €5

Free for Visite guidée : 5 € par personne, 3 € en groupe à partir de 6 personnes. Les vestiges extérieurs sont en accès libre.

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Not verified

Where this château is

Vaucouleurs · Meuse · Grand Est

Map of the area around Forteresse de Vaucouleurs

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Vaucouleurs, Meuse

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00106647
Period of construction: 14th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Vaucouleurs fortress: how much is admission?: Adult admission is €5. Free for: visite guidée : 5 € par personne, 3 € en groupe à partir de 6 personnes. Les vestiges extérieurs sont en accès libre.
What remains of the Vaucouleurs castle?: The Porte de France and the crypt of the former castle chapel survive, surrounded by wall remnants and excavation grounds.
Why is Vaucouleurs castle linked to Joan of Arc?: Joan of Arc left Lorraine through the Porte de France on 23 February 1429 on her way to Chinon.
What is the entrance fee?: An adult ticket costs 5 euros.
Is Vaucouleurs castle a listed historic monument?: Yes, the Porte de France and chapel have been classified since 1893, and the castle remains and excavation grounds have been listed since 1953.
How old is the castle?: The original castle dates back to the 11th century, with visible elements from the 13th century and a restoration of the Porte de France in 1733.