European Heritage Days 2022: visit the medieval city of Houdan (78)

In the heart of the Yvelines region, you'll find a pretty medieval town, which still hides many vestiges of the Middle Ages, between keeps, fortifications and old inns. Come and discover them in Houdan during the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) on September 16 and 17, 2023!

Once again this year, the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) offer you the chance to discover numerous monuments and towns in the Ile-de-France region free of charge. The region is brimming with beautiful, little-known sites, particularly in the Yvelines département, home to the famous Château de Versailles. A little further afield, the town of Houdan, accessible by train, hides treasures from the Middle Ages, with its keep, remains, fortifications and other medieval buildings. During the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) on September 16 and 17, 2023, the Pays Houdanais Tourist Office is offering guided tours of the town.

Between the fields, the town of Houdan offers a lovely walk, with its historic church, half-timbered houses and, above all, its 12th-century keep, which was once a defense tower, prison and water tower, preserved over the years to be open to visitors today! Traces of the town dating back to Antiquity have been found, but it was populated between the 5th and 10th centuries, and fortified to protect neighboring towns, notably Montfort. A commercial center, the town even became the granary of Paris during the French Revolution. During the weekend, climb to the top of the dungeon for an unparalleled view of the town, or enjoy a guided tour of the town.

Journées du Patrimoine 2023 (Heritage Days 2023): a must-see program in Yvelines (78)
There's plenty to do for the Journées du Patrimoine 2023 in the Yvelines! On Saturday September 16 and Sunday September 17, 2023, we're off to the many castles and museums of the 78 region to open their doors to you for guided tours, workshops and unique moments of sharing. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2023 at medieval monuments in Paris and the Île-de-France region
The Journées du Patrimoine in Paris take place this weekend, from September 16 to 17, 2023. We invite you to discover the rare medieval monuments that can still be seen in the capital, and discover medieval Paris. [Read more]