On the occasion of the European Archaeology Days 2026 , Viarmes offers a plunge into a medieval past that can still be glimpsed beneath the streets, buildings and cellars of the town. Scheduled for the weekend of 12 to 14 June 2026, this national and European event invites children and adults to discover archaeology in a different way.
Located in the Val-d’Oise, Viarmes boasts a remarkable medieval heritage that archaeological research has helped bring back to light. Excavations carried out in Place Pierre-Salvi have notably deepened our understanding of the origin of the town’s old center, uncovering the remains of a medieval castle and a lordly manor destroyed in the 14th century. Beneath the town’s apparent calm lies a full panorama of lords, moats, fortified residences and paved halls that have resurfaced.
Archaeologists have uncovered traces of ancient settlement, some signs of prehistoric activity, remains from the Gaulish era, and most notably a dense medieval core. A ditch may correspond to the defensive wall of a fortified enclosure dating to around the year 1000. Later, in the 12th and 13th centuries, the area underwent transformation with the construction of a castle, then a large lordly complex. Two 13th-century towers remain nearly intact in the block opposite the church.
Among the many activities, exhibitions, and virtual tours, you’ll have the chance to reproduce the historiated pavement tiles from the late 13th century unearthed on the site. You can also watch, via VR headset, the firing process in a medieval oven.
The historiated pavement tiles showcase a variety of motifs that you can recreate by following the different steps. These paved floors complemented the painted decor and the stained glass of the lordly chambers, underscoring the chamberlains’ family identity and their close ties to royal power.
Exhibition on medieval fires based on archaeological discoveries conducted in the northern Île-de-France, covering the Hundred Years' War and the Jacquerie: the two fires at Viarmes, Saint-Martin-du-Tertre, Mériel, Louvres, and more.
Regular guided tours of the exhibition by an INrap archaeologist, complemented by visits to the various remains still visible in the town center; individual visits are also possible by following the panels "in search of the vanished medieval castle" placed at several spots around the town center (maps provided on site).
A visit with an Inrap archaeologist to a vast medieval cellar (13th–14th centuries) featuring numerous stone-carved marks uncovered during excavations, along with a bread oven. The tour also showcased ongoing activities exploring the site's history tied to the horse trade, including the restoration of horse-drawn carriages and harnesses.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
Dates and Opening Time
From June 12, 2026 to June 14, 2026
Location
Viarmes
21 Rue de Paris
95270 Viarmes
