Journées du Patrimoine 2024: visit the Wood Cottage, a witch's cottage, in Le Vésinet

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Published on September 3, 2024 at 12:24 p.m.
On the occasion of the Journées du Patrimoine 2024, admire a real architectural gem in the town of Le Vésinet, the Wood Cottage, a strange house that looks like something out of a fantasy film, and enjoy an acoustic concert on Sunday, September 22.

The 41st edition of the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) is the perfect way to get back in touch with culture! On September 21 and 22, 2024, take advantage of this exceptional, free event to discover places that are difficult to access the rest of the year, take part in the various events and visit historic monuments to immerse yourself in the past for a weekend. All over the Île-de-France region, museums and places of interest are mobilizing to open their doors to the public, including Le Vésinet in the Yvelines!

An astonishing town of varied architecture, Le Vésinet is home not only to a villa designed by Hector Guimard, but also to a madcap manufactured home, the Wood Cottage. This very strange cottage seems to have come straight out of the world of Hansel and Gretel, and visitors imagine it to be inhabited by a witch. Built in 1864 by the architect Tricotel, this house is an example of a little folly, blending Gothic, classical and English features.

The town's first listed historic monument, the cottage has remained in the hands of the same family, the last owner being a descendant of the playwright Jean Racine, who lived in Le Vésinet. The Wood Cottage is now part of the town's heritage in the form of a bequest, in accordance with the family's wishes. It features a dovecote and superb stained-glass windows, but can only be visited free of charge on special occasions.

The 2024 Heritage Days program at Wood Cottage

  • Wood Cottage - House tour
    Sunday, September 22, 2:00 p.m.

    Guided tour of the Wood Cottage estate (park + house) by volunteers from the Société d'Histoire du Vésinet.



  • Exhibition in the Charmettes/Merlettes and République neighborhoods
    Sunday, September 22, 2:00 p.m.

    Exhibitions on Le Vésinet neighborhoods: Charmettes/Merlettes and République.
    Exhibitions created by the Société d'Histoire du Vésinet.



Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On September 22, 2024

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    122 Boulevard des États Unis
    78110 Vesinet (Le)

    Route planner

    Prices
    Free

    Official website
    journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr

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