Heritage Days 2024: visit the medieval town 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.

Houdan, medieval town and historical walk in Yvelines
Just a Navigo ride away from Paris, in the Yvelines department, you'll discover the medieval town of Houdan, with its surprisingly well-preserved medieval remains, including a keep, ramparts and old inns. [Read more]

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, once a defense tower, prison and water tower, preserved over the years to be open to visitors today! Traces dating back to Antiquity have been found, but the town was populated between the 5th and 10th centuries, and fortified to protect surrounding 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 a unique view of the town, or enjoy a guided tour of the town.

Journées du Patrimoine 2024: the great things to do in Yvelines (78)
There's plenty to do for the Journées du Patrimoine 2024 in the Yvelines! On Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22, 2024, we're off to the many castles and museums of the 78 region that are opening their doors to you for guided tours, workshops and unique moments of good sharing. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2024 at medieval monuments in Paris and the Île-de-France region
The Journées du Patrimoine in Paris take place this weekend, from September 21 to 22, 2024. We invite you to discover the rare monuments from the Middle Ages that can still be seen in the capital, to discover medieval Paris. [Read more]