The Heritage Days, that fabulous cultural weekend, are back in autumn 2026! On September 19 and 20, historic sites across France will fling open their doors to the public. It’s a chance to uncover hidden treasures, explore remarkable venues, and experience history through guided tours, workshops, and activities for everyone. An unmissable event, then!
The town of Houilles, located in the Yvelines department, has a rich history that will captivate you. Known as far back as Roman times, Houilles has survived the centuries by preserving evidence of its history. The 13th-centuryChurch of Saint-Nicolas and the ancient stone quarries that helped build Paris are just some of the jewels in the crown of this charming commune's heritage.
An opportunity to explore a city with a distinct identity, at the crossroads of history and modernity. This year's events promise to immerse you in a cultural Houilles, in all its forms. It's an invitation to wonder and discover, for curious people of all ages. Houilles awaits you for a memorable journey back in time! Want to come along for the Heritage Days?
Houilles Conservatory
A Female Pantheon of Music
A Female Musical Pantheon - Chamber ensembles with flexible lineups
Women composers have left their imprint on music from antiquity to the present, despite often late recognition stemming from societal and institutional hurdles. As part of the 2026 edition of the European Heritage Days, this trio- and quartet-programmed concert performed by the conservatory’s faculty will spotlight women composers from the 18th to the 20th centuries: Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, Louise Farrenc, Mel Bonis, Amy Beach and Alba Rosa Viëtor.
Conditions of participation: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 4:00 PM ⤏ 5:00 PM
Saint-Nicolas Church
Guided Tour of Saint-Nicolas Church
Tour of Saint-Nicolas Church
Guided tours of the church (lasting 30 to 40 minutes) and two special tours focusing on the stained glass windows (lasting 45 to 60 minutes) by the Friends of Saint-Nicolas Church of Houilles
Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th at 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM - Meet in front of the church
Following the reopening of Saint-Nicolas Church after restoration, the Friends of the Church invite you to a guided tour of the building and a presentation of the stained glass windows.
Participation requirements: Booking is essential (limited to 12 participants) / open to all audiences aged 5 and up / accessibility for disabled people - to be specified at booking - Free | Booking mandatory - https://www.billetweb.fr/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-2026-visite-de-leglise-saint-nicolas-de-houilles, 06 30 79 40 34, asn78800@orange.fr
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00–2:30 PM, 2:30–3:30 PM, 3:30–4:00 PM, 4:00–5:00 PM, 5:00–5:45 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00–2:30 PM, 2:30–3:30 PM, 3:30–4:00 PM, 4:00–5:00 PM, 5:00–5:45 PM
Garden of the Maison Victor Schoelcher
Slavery Narratives
Slavery Narratives / musical reading - Cie Le Fil de l’Astre
The Garden of the Schoelcher House - 4:00 PM, duration: 60 minutes - all ages
Drawing on a selection of 5 to 15-minute tales, the actors trace the history of slavery through storytelling.
Participation requirements: Free | No booking required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Family gardens
Open day at community gardens
Open House at the Family Gardens
In partnership with the Tourne Sol association
A guided discovery tour of the gardens led by association members plus activities "Ciel mon radis" (gardening workshop such as cuttings or culinary creation) – from 10:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:00 – for all audiences
Participation requirements: Free of charge | No reservation required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 am–12:30 pm, 2:00 pm–6:00 pm
Houilles multimedia library
"Crafting the cleaning products our grandmothers swore by"
Recreating the cleaning products our grandmothers used
Heritage under threat includes not only old buildings but also knowledge and ancestral know-how that vanish from generation to generation. The library invites you to rediscover our grandparents’ methods by recreating cleaning products that are simpler, more economical, and more eco-friendly. Each participant will make one or more recipes.
Duration: two one-hour sessions
Times: 2:30 pm and 3:45 pm
Booking recommended (limited capacity) / Information and reservations: 01 30 86 21 20 / Houilles Library - 7 rue du Capitaine Guise
Participation conditions: Free of charge - Free | Reservation required - 0130862120
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM
Place des Arts
The Caravan of Horror
The Caravan of Horror_cie Bakelite
Object theatre - suitable for all audiences, not recommended for children under 10.
Place des Arts - 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM.
Duration: 17 minutes
A grim-faced man stands before a battered caravan and invites the audience to step inside, where a show is about to begin. The daring spectator who crosses the threshold soon hears the door slam behind him. Trapped in the dark, he is joined by sixteen other willing victims... The caravan creaks. The serial killer is not far away. A claustrophobic thrill ride for 17 adrenaline seekers!
Production: Compagnie Bakélite; Co-production: Théâtre Lillico (Rennes); Residencies hosted by Les Ateliers du Vent, Rennes (35), and Théâtre de Poche, Hédé (35)
Participation conditions: Free, under-10s not allowed. Duration: 17 minutes. - Free | Booking required - 0130863234
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:30–3:00 p.m., 3:00–3:30 p.m., 3:30–4:00 p.m., 4:30–5:00 p.m., 5:00–5:30 p.m.
City of Houilles
Houilles, a town on the move
Houilles, a town in motion - heritage tours in partnership with the Art and History Association
Strolls - at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., duration: 1h30 - open to all ages from 5 and up
The route explores the town’s social and architectural history to discover or rediscover the buildings, monuments, and parks that have shaped its identity. New spaces such as the renovation of Charles de Gaulle Park and that of Place Michelet, along with the restoration of Saint-Nicolas Church and their integration into the area, are examined through the lens of urban history.
Participation conditions: Booking essential, capacity limited! Duration: 1h30 – suitable for all audiences aged 5 and up. The meeting point will be revealed at registration. - Free | Booking essential - 0130863234
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30–12:00, 14:30–16:00
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Houilles
houilles
78800 Houilles
Route planner
Access
RER A "Houilles - Carrière-sur-Seine" station
Prices
Free
Official website
www.ville-houilles.fr
