As the new season begins, culture takes center stage with the 42nd edition of the 42e édition des Journées du Patrimoine! The 19 et 20 septembre 2026, we take advantage of this exceptional and free event to discover hard-to-access places the rest of the year, we participate in various activities and visit historic monuments to immerse ourselves in the past for a weekend. Across Île-de-France, museums and points of interest mobilize to open their doors to the public, notably in the Yvelines, at the Vésinet!
An astonishing town of varied architecture, Le Vésinet is home not only to a villa designed by Hector Guimard, but also to a madcap manufactured home, the Wood Cottage. This very strange cottage seems to have come straight out of the world of Hansel and Gretel, and visitors imagine it to be inhabited by a witch. Built in 1864 by the architect Tricotel, this house is an example of a little folly, blending Gothic, classical and English features.
The town's first listed historic monument, the cottage has remained in the hands of the same family, the last owner being a descendant of the playwright Jean Racine, who lived in Le Vésinet. The Wood Cottage is now part of the town's heritage in the form of a bequest, in accordance with the family's wishes. It features a dovecote and superb stained-glass windows, but can only be visited free of charge on special occasions.
A tour of the Wood Cottage
Guided tour of Wood Cottage, led by volunteers from the Vésinet History Society.
Participation conditions: Free of charge | No reservation required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Exhibition “Republic Quarter”
Exhibition on the "République" neighborhood of Le Vésinet, created by the Le Vésinet History Society
Participation conditions: Free | No booking required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Exhibition "Charmettes–Merlettes Neighborhood"
Exhibition on the Charmettes–Merlette district, organized by the Vésinet History Society
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Wood Cottage
122 Boulevard des États Unis
78110 Vesinet (Le)
Route planner
Prices
Free
