4, Place de la Tour
78550 HOUDAN
+01 (30)59 53 86 XNUMX XNUMX
contact@tourismepayshoudanais.fr
CD78NicolasDupreyPLEASE NOTE: THE HOUDAN DUNGEON IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR AN INDETERMINED DURATION.
Once upon a time there was the Dungeon of Houdan…
Emblem of our medieval town from the top of its 25 meters, the Donjon de Houdan invites you to gain height and enjoy a superb 360-degree panoramic view over the entire Houdanais region! This building which dominates Houdan, sets the scene of a rich past while blending perfectly into its era. It also hosts events that liven up the life of the city.
First of all, let us tell you the story of this monument: once upon a time…
CD78NicolasDupreyA keep is an integral part of a castle, but in Houdan, we have no trace of a castle! Thus, in the 12the century, only the tower would have been erected as well as fortifications. Built during the reign of the Counts of Montfort, it has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1889. The latter had the function of surveillance, deterrence but above all a role of feudal representation in order to mark the power of the Montfort family.
Built on the site of an ancient Merovingian necropolis, its history is told to you through explanatory panels on different floors. The tower also shows traces of its history with numerous graffiti, some dating from the 17th century.e century. Used as a reserve, then as a prison and then a water tower, it underwent a certain number of changes in order to adapt to its new functions. The concrete tank of the water tower is still present to this day, as well as part of the concrete uprights used to support it.
From now on, the Dungeon can be explored from bottom to top, with no fewer than 250 steps to reach the top. The ground floor, called the “Lower Room”, hosts part of the exhibition dedicated to the history of the dungeon. It also has a stage for performances in an intimate venue with incredible acoustics!
Your visit begins on the 1st floor. First take the belfry, allowing you to enter the keep through the original door located 4 meters away, then raised in the XNUMXth century.e century at 6 meters. This floor hosts the rest and end of the exhibition, as well as the shop, where you can choose your little souvenir of the Dungeon!
One floor higher, the old water tower tank has been converted into a projection room with a curved screen on which films recounting the renovation of the dungeon or even allowing you to discover the Houdanais country seen from the sky are projected.
Finally, end your visit with the panoramic terrace. The view it provides will be your reward after the effort! Four orientation plaques allow you to locate the 36 municipalities of the Pays Houdanais Community. It even seems that we can see Chartres Cathedral in good weather...
N.DupreyCD78After 3 and a half years of Dantesque work to renovate the keep, it has found a second lease of life and welcomes a public curious to discover or rediscover this flagship monument of the Houdan landscape. But that's not all ! Since 2016, a regular program has been offered and there is something for everyone: thematic activities, workshops for children, conferences, concerts, temporary exhibitions and even since 2021 two one-off Escape Games!
Nicolas DUPREY CD78
©NicolasDupreyCD78
©NicolasDupreyCD78
CD78NicolasDupreyThere is a fee to enter the dungeon.
The dungeon is open on Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17 p.m. THE Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18 p.m. Then the last Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17 p.m. Access gates close 30 minutes before.
For more information, visit www.ledonjondehoudan.fr or the account Dungeon Facebook.
