4, Place de la Tour
78550 HOUDAN
+01 30 59 53 86
contact@tourismepayshoudanais.fr
CD78NicolasDupreyHead to Houdan for a rural break with medieval accents
Lovers of beautiful stones or nature? The Houdanais is waiting for you! Escape for a few hours, a weekend or a discovery trip. And let yourself be seduced by a green, calm region, where life is good... for a guaranteed disconnection!
Although traces dating back to Antiquity have been found, the Houdan region was truly populated from the 5th century onwards . Its hilltop "castrum" shape gave it a real strategic position at the time.
From the year 1000 onwards, under the influence of the Lords of Montfort, Houdan grew and increased in importance. Numerous wars with the King of England led Amaury III de Montfort to erect a stone tower, surrounded by a wall and enclosure. One of his descendants, Simon IV de Montfort, built new fortifications in the 13th century , of which no trace remains today. From this period, the town of Houdan became a very important trading center. In the 16th century , the town's fortifications were extended. Traces of these fortifications can still be found today on Rue des Remparts (Tour Guinant) and below the town, on Chemin de la Croix aux Pèlerins (Tour Jardet and Tour de l'Abreuvoir).
During the French Revolution, the Houdan region became the breadbasket of the capital. One of the most important wheat markets in the Île-de-France region was held there. The trade in wool and medicinal plants also flourished. Remember the jingle from the advertisement for "Boldoflorine" ? This perfume was created and developed thanks to the Fouché family in Houdan. The town is also famous for its poultry market where, for a long time, one could buy the renowned Houdan chicken , prized for its succulent meat.
X.RenouxCD78
Margaux Genermont
The dungeon
Some traces of this history remain. The most important testimony of this era being the keep, which after all these years still stands proudly above the city. Sometimes a defense tower, prison, or water tower, it now opens its doors for a journey through the centuries. The breathtaking view from the terrace is worth it because you will have to climb the 250 rotating steps to enjoy it!
CD78NicolasDuprey
X.RenouxCD78Your steps will lead you to the church of Saint-Jacques Saint-Christophe , famous for its Cliquot organs, for its fresco relating the pilgrimage of the Houdan people to Montserrat dating from 1582 and for its imposing size which often (wrongly) gives it the name of collegiate church or even cathedral (excuse the understatement!)!
Houdan was also a major stopover town, as evidenced by the half-timbered facades of the old inns from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Don't miss a visit to the Tannerie, the city's contemporary art center , which hosts very high-quality exhibitions!
And then, if you still have a little energy, take the small paths which will take you out of the town between pastures, fields and streams, along the Vesgre and the Opton, which surround the town. Finally, on the small hill of the Croix aux Pèlerins, admire the view of Houdan, this great little town...
X.RenouxCD78
X.RenouxCD78
Margaux Genermont
