Porte de Vincennes is a gate located in the eastern part of Paris, France. It serves as one of the major entry points to the city, situated along the outer ring of the old fortifications of Paris. Here are some detailed aspects of Porte de Vincennes:
The gate was originally part of the Thiers Wall, which was constructed between 1841 and 1844 to provide a defense against potential Prussian invasions. This wall was the last of its kind around Paris.
During the Siege of Paris in 1870-1871, Porte de Vincennes played a strategic role due to its proximity to the Fort de Vincennes, which was one of the forts surrounding Paris designed to defend the city.
After the Franco-Prussian War, the fortifications were deemed obsolete, and most were dismantled. However, Porte de Vincennes remained as an important gateway due to its connection to the Bois de Vincennes, a large public park.
Porte de Vincennes is located at the intersection of several key thoroughfares, including Boulevard Périphérique, the ring road that circles Paris, and Avenue de Vincennes.
The gate is also the name of a major metro station on Paris Metro Line 1, which provides direct access to the Château de Vincennes and the park.
The area around Porte de Vincennes has become a bustling commercial and residential district. It's known for its vibrant markets, restaurants, and cultural diversity.
In recent years, the gate has gained attention due to events like the 2015 Île-de-France attacks, where a kosher supermarket near Porte de Vincennes was targeted.
While much of the original fortification has been dismantled, the architectural style of the remaining structures at Porte de Vincennes reflects the 19th-century military engineering typical of the Thiers Wall.