Living on the water in a wooden chalet that rises and falls with the Seine’s floods? It’s the transportive daily life of the residents of La Galiotte, that quirky string of floating chalets moored at Carrières-sous-Poissy, in the Yvelines. From the 16 to 18 October 2026, the National Architecture Days return to make Paris and Île-de-France vibrate. This cultural meeting invites children and grown-ups alike to see our everyday landscapes in a new light, to understand the technical choices of builders, and to step inside singular projects. Integrated into the vast Parc du Peuple de l’Herbe, this lakeside hamlet demonstrates how people can adapt to the whims of water in the heart of the Paris region.
The floating cottages on the La Galiotte pond in Yvelines, a real postcard landscape
For a complete change of scenery in the heart of the Île-de-France region, head for the Parc du Peuple de l'Herbe in Carrières-sous-Poissy, in the Yvelines department. With its 113 hectares of wilderness and picturesque ponds, including the étang de La Galiotte dotted with floating chalets, this oasis, just a stone's throw from Poissy station, offers an authentic experience just a Navigo pass away! [Read more]
Born in the 1980s on the La Galiotte pond — an old flooded sand pit connected to the river — this site showcases the rise of floating vernacular architecture that is both afloat and amphibious. This kind of construction is defined by the complete absence of masonry foundations on solid ground: each pavilion sits on watertight pontoons or unsinkable caissons connected to sliding piles driven into the bottom of the pond. Built mainly with a softwood frame, these lightweight little houses feature steep two-pitched roofs, broad bays opening onto the water, and cantilevered terraces that adapt to the changing water level without ever allowing interior flooding.
La Galiotte, a one-of-a-kind lakeside village in Île-de-France
Discover an exceptional architectural ensemble:
About thirty floating chalets, built over decades to live as close as possible to water and nature.
Through a guided visit and conversations with association members, learn the story of this lakeside village, its lightweight, floating, low-carbon architecture, its evolution, and its unique relationship with the environment.
It’s also an opportunity to discuss the preservation of this living, natural, scenic, and architectural heritage, and the ongoing reflections shaping its future.
Participation conditions: No capacity limits; free of charge – Free | No reservations required
Schedule: Saturday, 17 October 2026, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Sunday, 18 October 2026, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
Dates and Opening Time
From October 17, 2026 to October 18, 2026
Location
Étang de La Galiotte - Parc du Peuple de l'herbe
étang de la galiotte
78955 Carrieres Sous Poissy
Route planner
Access
RER A or Ligne J Poissy
The floating cottages on the La Galiotte pond in Yvelines, a real postcard landscape
