In Vincennes, behind the castle, culture reigns

A famous literary festival, a historical film festival, a majestic legacy … The city of Val-de-Marne is in progress and is proving to be a major attraction for the eastern suburbs.

Borrowing its name well, Bois de Vincennes does not belong to it: administratively, it is the property of the Paris City Council. If the information seems innocuous, it points to the shadow the capital could cast on its neighbor Vincennes. But this is significant without the cultural vibrancy of Val-de-Marne, the second most densely populated city in France, with its many highlights punctuating the agenda. Among them, the Festival of America, dedicated to North American cultures and literature, is the main image (see box). The city is also hosting the event beyond the screena meeting place for movie buffs, or Vincennes Photo Festival, who has been supporting amateur photography since 2015 and whose last edition is headed, in May, by the great correspondent Pascal Maitre.

Traditionally, visitors go to Vincennes because of its castle: every year, 60,000 curious people pass through its doors to discover the largest reserve in Europe. Most of them come from far… “The castle is still very well known to Parisians, Notes Edward D. Lumley, Director of Cultural Development and Audiences, at the Center for National Monuments. However, it is an exceptional location located at the gates of Paris and accessible by metro. » What might seem like an admission of failure has almost a positive side: To attract Parisians, Edward de Lumley continues, We want to give a greater view of the castle, especially by developing a diversified art program there. » Outdoor film screenings, concerts and live performances: proposals multiply to refresh the castle’s image.