The castle includes a royal chapel, dungeon, acres of woods (Bois de Vincennes), and two lakes that have graced this location for six centuries. Children will feel like they’ve arrived in a fairyland, yet it is all real, and far better than any Disney creation. It is my husband’s favorite excursion.

You will enter by crossing over a drawbridge than spans a very deep (now dry) moat and walk through the Village Gate (Tour du Village) onto the grounds. The massive wall is 3609 feet long. There once were nine towers, each 138 feet tall, along this wall. People lived in these towers, which were primarily defensive matters. Only four of the towers remain today, thanks to Napoleon who tore them down when he converted Vincennes into a military stronghold.

Getting into Paris from Charles De Gaulle airport is very quick, easy, low-cost and convenient on the RER B train (there are two stations at CDG). But be aware that most ticket machines only take Euro coins (not even Euro bills), so if you have any spare Euro coins, make sure to bring them with you!
Nearby vendors are usually loathe to make change, and even if you do make a purchase, you may not receive enough coinage to purchase ticket(s).

Some vending machines do take credit cards, but only if they have a “smart chip” attached. Most European-issued cards have such a chip, but most U.S.-issued cards do not have this chip.

If you only have Euro notes or want to use a credit card without a smart chip, you will have to get in line (usually a long one!) to purchase your ticket from a ticket vendor.

Fortunately, the RER B trains run often, so don’t worry if you miss one when buying tickets

Posted by JULIE.DC on Mar-31-08 04:06

I’ve just got back from Paris and I think the RER B fare is 8 Euros. Anyway, great tip. But, be aware; stay with your ticket during the trip, you maybe required to show it. And you will see the signs RER B GARE in CDG – just follow them. You can stop at GARE DU NORD and then see where you want to go next. I just did this three weeks ago. Hope it helps.