Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in Le Vésinet (78): visit the Wood Cottage, a witch's cottage in style

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Updated on September 14, 2025 at 11:37 a.m. · Published on July 30, 2023 at 10:53 a.m.
For the Journées du Patrimoine 2025, take a look at the Wood Cottage, an architectural gem in the town of Le Vésinet that looks like something out of a fantasy film. Discover the program!

The 42nd edition of the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) will be held this autumn! On September 20 and 21, 2025, take advantage of this exceptional, free event to discover places that are difficult to access the rest of the year, take part in the various activities and visit historic monuments to immerse yourself in the past, for a weekend. All over the Île-de-France region, museums and places of interest are mobilizing to open their doors to the public, including Le Vésinet in the Yvelines!

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.

The Journées du Patrimoine 2025 program at Wood Cottage in Le Vésinet (78)

  • Quartier Charmettes - Merlettes" exhibition
    sunday, september 21, 2025 - 14:00 ⤏ 18:00

    Exhibition on the Charmettes - Merlette district created by the Société d'Histoire du Vésinet



  • Visit Wood Cottage
    sunday, september 21, 2025 - 14:00 ⤏ 18:00

    Guided tour of the Wood Cottage house by volunteers from the Société d'Histoire du Vésinet.



  • Quartier République" exhibition
    sunday, september 21, 2025 - 14:00 ⤏ 18:00

    Exhibition on the "République" district of Le Vésinet, created by the Société d'Histoire du Vésinet.



Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    122 Boulevard des États Unis
    78110 Vesinet (Le)

    Route planner

    Prices
    Free

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