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.
There's plenty to do for the Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in the Yvelines! On Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21, 2025, we're off to the many castles and museums of the 78 region to open their doors to you for guided tours, workshops and family fun. [Read more]
The Journées du Patrimoine in Paris take place over the weekend of September 20-21, 2025. We invite you to discover the rare medieval monuments that can still be seen in the capital, and discover medieval Paris. [Read more]
Saint-Jacques Saint-Christophe Church
Built by one of France's most prestigious 18th-century organ-building families, the Clicquots, the Houdan organ is one of the few French classical instruments to have remained unchanged over the centuries. As a result, it is an invaluable witness to the interpretation of organ music from this period, and is admired by organists the world over.
Régis Allard, its titular organist, will perform pieces from the Baroque repertoire. The instrument was recently overhauled, and Régis Allard recorded a CD entitled "Magnificat 1739", which won 5 Diapasons.
Pays Houdanais Tourist Office
The Pays Houdanais Tourist Office invites you to discover Nolween HOURSON's exhibition of acrylic paintings from September 3 to 30, 2025.
Explore the heritage of the Pays Houdanais while having fun: dominoes, memory, coloring... And take part in our Kapla competition for under-12s: the most beautiful construction will be chosen!
Guided tour of the town of Houdan (the dungeon, the old surrounding towers, the old inns, the church, the poultry market, etc.).
Free admission. Tours possible for groups of 10 or more and 30 or more.
Houdan keep
The guided tour will reveal the history of the Donjon de Houdan, a 12th-century medieval keep used as a watchtower, prison and water tower.
The tour takes in all 4 levels of the building, which includes some 250 steps.
The Donjon de Houdan is a 12th-century medieval keep used as a watchtower, prison and water tower.
Discover the permanent exhibition, the temporary exhibition and the panoramic terrace.
The tour takes in all 4 levels of the building, which includes some 250 steps.
In their show "France-Brésil, des influences mutuelles", Canto do Sol pay tribute to the historical influences of Brazilian music on French chanson. In addition to songs from their album "Avant l'équinoxe", Sophie Nicolas and Hervé Morisot perform songs that are not only translations of Brazilian classics, but also songs that have benefited from the Brazilian influence in more subtle ways. An emotional atmosphere guaranteed.
Happy Heritage Days in Yvelines!
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Houdan
houdan
78550 Houdan
Prices
Free
Official website
journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr
Houdan, medieval town and historical walk in Yvelines
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: a must-see program of visits in Yvelines (78)
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: the program at medieval monuments in Paris and the Île-de-France region
