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 fields, the town of Houdan offers a delightful stroll, with its historic church, its half-timbered houses, and above all its 12th-century keep, which served as a defensive tower, a prison and a water tower, lovingly preserved through the years and now open for visits! While traces dating back to Antiquity have been found, the town was settled between the 5th and 10th centuries and fortified to protect the surrounding area, notably Montfort.
As a commercial hub, the town even becomes the Paris's granary during the French Revolution. Over the weekend, climb to the top of the keep and discover an unprecedented vantage on the city, or enjoy a guided tour through the town.
There’s plenty to do for Heritage Days 2026 in Yvelines! On Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, head to the numerous castles and museums in the 78 that will open their doors for guided tours, workshops, and memorable moments to share. [Read more]
Heritage Days in Paris fall on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. We invite you to set off to discover the few remaining medieval monuments still visible in the capital, a chance to glimpse medieval Paris. [Read more]
Guided tour
During a guided tour, step into the singular story of Houdan's Keep, the imposing 12th‑century medieval tower built by the Counts of Montfort.
Over the centuries, this iconic monument has lived multiple lives, transitioning from a prison to a water tower.
Traverse its four levels—the lower hall, the Montfort Hall, the cistern, and the panoramic terrace—and enjoy a remarkable vantage point over the town and its surroundings.
Participation conditions: Limited to 25 people - Free | Reservations required - 07 68 71 40 21, contact@ledonjondehoudan.fr
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 10:00 ⤏ 11:00
Exhibition "La Boldoflorine, the Factory, and Its Famous Herbal Tea"
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, visit the Donjon de Houdan for the temporary exhibition “La Boldoflorine, the factory and its famous tisane.”
Embark on a journey through the story of the Fouché family, their Houdan factory, and Boldoflorine—the famed liver tonic tisane. Through advertising posters, archival photographs, testimonials, and anecdotes, explore the industrial and family saga that gave birth to one of the 20th century’s most iconic products.
A playful and captivating journey to understand how a local company and its tisane became a genuine public favorite.
The exhibition is included with your visit to the Donjon de Houdan.
Participation requirements: Capacity limited to 50 people – Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00 to 12:30, 14:00 to 17:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 to 12:30, 14:00 to 17:30
Self-guided tour
The Houdan Keep, a 12th-century historic monument erected by the Counts of Montfort, has stood the test of time, living through several chapters. Initially a watchtower and fortress, it was later converted into a prison before becoming a water tower.
Explore its four levels – the lower hall, the Montfort Hall, the water-tower tank, and the panoramic terrace – and dive into the history of this exceptional site, which from its summit offers a remarkable view of the town and its surroundings.
A must-see visit to understand how this major medieval heritage landmark has evolved.
Extend your discovery with the temporary exhibition “La Boldoflorine, the Factory and its Famous Tisane,” which traces the industrial history of the Fouché family, from their Houdan factory to Boldoflorine, a liver-tisane, emblematic of the 20th century.
Conditions of participation: Capacity limited to 50 people — Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 11:00–12:30, 14:00–17:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00–12:30, 14:00–17:30
Calligraphy and Illumination Exhibition
On the occasion of the Heritage Days, members of the Houdan Donjon association’s calligraphy workshop are pleased to present the works created over the year 2026.
This year, studying passages from the manuscript “Dialogue des Dieux,” translated by Livio Guidolotto, has allowed us to uncover chancery script, practiced in the 16th century by scribes of the Papal Chancellery. Simple and elegant, this handwriting influenced the Italian italic typefaces we use today.
You will also see illuminations (initials, studies of Books of Hours, etc.) as well as analyses of English spellings (17th century) or American handwriting developed by Platt Rogers Spencer in the 19th century.
Participation terms: Capacity limited to 50 people - Free | No reservations required
Timings: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00–12:30, 14:00–17:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00–12:30, 14:00–17:30
Discovering the Secrets of an Organ Through Houdan's Historic Instrument
Built by a member of the most prestigious 18th-century French organ-building dynasty, the Clicquots, the Houdan organ stands as one of the few classic French instruments that has undergone no alterations through the centuries.
Regis Allard, its principal organist, will guide listeners through its mechanics, the various families of pipes and timbres, and the organ’s role at the time of its construction.
He will perform select pieces from the Baroque repertoire, including excerpts from Nicolas Clérambault’s suites, which inspired Regis Allard’s CD titled "Magnificat 1739," a recording honored with five diapasons.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026, 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
Isabelle Baron Exhibition
Come discover the Isabelle BARON exhibition, an artist with diverse influences, running from September 2 to 29, 2025, at the Pays Houdanais Tourism Office. The artist will be on hand on September 19 and 26 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00 ⤏ 12:30, 14:00 ⤏ 18:00
Live-action role-playing games
Discover the heritage of the Houdanais area by enjoying a visit to the Houdanais Tourist Office! (weather permitting).
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–12:30, 14:00–18:00
An investigation into endangered heritage
Take part in the investigation at the Pays Houdanais Tourism Office to uncover the region's endangered heritage! Among those who answer all the questions correctly, one winner will be drawn to win a big prize.
Participation requirements: Free
Opening hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–12:30, 14:00–18:00
Guided tour of the town of Houdan
Guided tour of the town of Houdan (the donjon, the old defensive towers, the historic inns, the church, the poultry market, etc.), on Saturday, September 19 at 10 a.m.
Participation requirements: Free of charge. Sign up at 01 30 59 53 86. Tours available for groups of 10 to 30 people. - Free | Reservation required - 01 30 59 53 86
Times: Saturday 19 September 2026 — 10:00 to 11:30
Theatrical tour of Houdan
A theatrical tour of the town of Houdan with Tessa, our Time Traveler, staged as a puzzle-filled blend of history and play, on Saturday, September 19, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Participation conditions : Registration required. €17 per adult, €12 per child aged 6 to 17, and free for children under 6. A maximum of 35 people. - Special rate | Reservation required - https://www.helloasso.com/associations/office-de-tourisme-du-pays-houdanais/evenements/visite-theatralisee-de-houdan-tessa-la-voyageuse-du-temps-19-septembre-2026, 01 30 59 53 86, contact@tourismepayshoudanais.fr.">http://contact@tourismepayshoudanais.fr.
Schedule : Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 4:00 PM ⤏ 6:00 PM
Happy Heritage Days in Yvelines!
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Houdan
houdan
78550 Houdan
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Free
Official website
journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr
Houdan, medieval town and historical walk in Yvelines
Heritage Days 2026: a fantastic program to discover in Yvelines (78)
Heritage Days 2026: Medieval monuments in Paris and Île-de-France
