Let's take a tour of the Yvelines and discover its most beautiful villages. We're heading for Médan, a charming village with a population of just 1,300, but one that still has a lot to offer. Situated on the banks of the Seine, this village of sublime residences has retained its charm of yesteryear.
In the Middle Ages, this fief belonged to theabbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The estate consisted of a feudal manor house, a church, a mill, various crops including meadows and vines, and no fewer than 24 hospices. It is said that King Charles II the Bald was baptized here...
Originally built as a hunting lodge in 1494 by Henri Perdrier, Château de Médan was home to such iconic figures as the 16th-century poets of La Pléiade, including Ronsard and du Bellay. Over the centuries, the site has been marked by significant architectural additions and illustrious residents, such as Belgian symbolist and Nobel Prize winner Maurice Maeterlinck, who lived here until his exile to the USA in 1939. The monument, now listed as a Monument Historique, is open to the public by appointment, offering a fascinating insight into the region's literary and cultural history. In spring, be sure to discover the superb wisteria and irises that enchant the grounds.
Just a stone's throw from the château, the house at 26 rue Pasteur is another Médan gem. Acquired by Émile Zola in 1878, this residence became a nerve center for the figures of naturalism. Transformed into a museum after extensive restoration work, the Maison Zola reopens its doors to the public in 2021, including a space dedicated to Captain Dreyfus, defended by Zola in his famous "J'accuse". The museum is not only a tribute to the writer, but also an interpretation center that enriches visitors' understanding of key moments in French history.
Saint Germain church, built in 1635 at the request of Jean Bourdin, Seigneur de Médan, and attributed to Claude Perrault, is a remarkable example of the religious architecture of the period. With its two bell towers and ornate facade, it attracts not only the faithful for Mass, but also history and architecture enthusiasts, captivated by its details and rich history marked by the French Revolution.
Médan is more than just its iconic buildings. The village offers an immersion in culture with events such as the annual literary pilgrimage in honor of Zola, and temporary exhibitions that allow visitors to rediscover significant works of art and historical documents. Take a stroll through the narrow streets to discover its unspoilt charm.
Stop off at Rue Pasteur to discover the washhouse, restored in 2020. A second washhouse nestles in the town hall park, and is well worth a visit.
On your way down to the Seine, don't miss a stop to discover the timeless exhibition of Émile Zola's photographs.
Then it's off to explore the hiking trails along the Seine, enriching the cultural experience with the natural beauty of the region. Along the way, be sure to take a look at the ile du Platais, which reveals the remains of an abandoned former leisure center.
In short, Médan offers an enriching getaway just a stone's throw from the capital, where history and culture meet in a bucolic and inspiring setting. The village of Villennes-sur-Seine, with its unusual park, grotto and waterfalls, is just a short drive away.
To discover:
The Maison Zola, the Dreyfus Museum in Médan, Yvelines
In the heart of the Yvelines region, the Musée Dreyfus, in the grounds of the Maison d'Émile Zola, stands as a place steeped in literary and judicial history. Located in Médan, just an hour's drive from Paris, this historic house and museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the life and work of Émile Zola, as well as the Dreyfus Affair, two major elements of late 19th-century French culture. [Read more]
There's no shortage of amazing sites in the Paris region. Such is the case of this "ghost" water park in the Yvelines department. Abandoned for more than 20 years and listed as a Monument Historique in 2009, the former leisure center was a popular spot for families from its inauguration in 1935, and remained so for several decades. Here's the story. [Read more]
Villennes-sur-Seine, a charming commune in the Yvelines department, is home to a little-known treasure: the waterfalls of the Parc Fauvel grotto. Located some 36 kilometers west of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, this small town near Poissy on the left bank of the Seine boasts a park that combines history and nature. The park, an example of English romanticism, features an unusual grotto and waterfalls. [Read more]
Looking for charming villages close to Paris? If so, the Yvelines is the place for you. Among the gems of Ile-de-France, we invite you to discover the picturesque places in Yvelines that we've enjoyed discovering and that we'd like to introduce to you. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Starts April 23th, 2024
Location
Médan
medan yveline
78670 Medan
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
The Maison Zola, the Dreyfus Museum in Médan, Yvelines
Did you know? There's an abandoned "ghost" water park in the Yvelines department.
Unusual in the Yvelines: the superb waterfall grotto at Parc du Dr Fauvel in Villennes-sur-Seine
The most beautiful villages in the Yvelines, 6 must-see nuggets
