Once again this year, the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) offer you the chance to discover numerous monuments and towns in the Ile-de-France region free of charge. The region is brimming with beautiful, little-known sites, particularly in the Yvelines département, home to the famous Château de Versailles. A little further afield, the town of Houdan, accessible by train, hides treasures from the Middle Ages, with its keep, remains, fortifications and other medieval buildings.
Houdan, medieval city and historic stroll in Yvelines
Leave Paris for a bit to go to Yvelines and discover the medieval city of Houdan and its medieval remnants surprisingly well-kept, between dungeon, ramparts and old inns. [Read more]
Between the fields, the town of Houdan offers a lovely walk, with its historic church, half-timbered houses and, above all, its 12th-century keep, once a defense tower, prison and water tower, preserved over the years to be open to visitors today! Traces dating back to Antiquity have been found, but the town was populated between the 5th and 10th centuries, and fortified to protect surrounding towns, notably Montfort. A commercial center, the town even became the granary of Paris during the French Revolution. During the weekend, climb to the top of the dungeon for a unique view of the town, or enjoy a guided tour of the town.
There's plenty to do for the Journées du Patrimoine 2024 in the Yvelines! On Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22, 2024, we're off to the many castles and museums of the 78 region that are opening their doors to you for guided tours, workshops and unique moments of good sharing. [Read more]
The Journées du Patrimoine in Paris take place this weekend, from September 21 to 22, 2024. We invite you to discover the rare monuments from the Middle Ages that can still be seen in the capital, to discover medieval Paris. [Read more]
Saint-Jacques Saint-Christophe Church
In 2022, the 50th anniversary of the exemplary restoration of the historic Houdan organ was celebrated.
Built by one of France's most prestigious families of 18th-century organ builders, the Clicquots, this organ is one of the few French classical instruments to have remained unaltered over the centuries. As a result, it is an invaluable witness to the interpretation of organ music from this period, and is admired by organists the world over.
Régis Allard, its titular organist, will give an account of its history, and perform pieces from the Baroque repertoire. The instrument was recently overhauled and Régis Allard recorded a CD entitled "Magnificat 1739", which won 5 Diapasons.
Pays Houdanais Tourist Office
Guided tour of the town of Houdan (the dungeon, the old surrounding towers, the old inns, the church, the poultry market, etc.).
Dreamlike and sometimes surreal, Nathalie Chirade's oil paintings transport us into an imaginary world filled with portraits of women. For her, these faces convey a particular emotion, sensitivity and fragility. Witness to an inner feeling nestled at the heart of each character, the artist captures the moment to make it eternal.
Life-size games based on the natural and cultural riches of the Houdan region (fauna, flora, towns, know-how, traditions, etc.).
Happy Heritage Days in Yvelines!
Dates and Opening Time
From September 21, 2024 to September 22, 2024
Location
Houdan
houdan
78550 Houdan
Prices
Free
Official website
journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr
Houdan, medieval city and historic stroll in Yvelines 
Journées du Patrimoine 2024 (Heritage Days 2024): the brilliant program in Yvelines (78)
Heritage Days 2024 at medieval monuments in Paris and the Île-de-France region
