The Donjon de Houdan is 25 metres high and offers a 360-degree panoramic view over the Pays Houdanais. The donjon and its four turrets were classified as historic monuments in 1889; the building has been open to visitors since 2016.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Houdan will plan their accommodation around this destination.
Culture and History
The Église Saint-Jacques–Saint-Christophe has been classified as a historic monument since 1840. A chapel in the north contains a fresco commemorating the pilgrimage of around thirty pilgrims from Houdan in 1582. The church also houses the Clicquot organ dating from 1734, which is considered an authentic testament to the French classical organ tradition.
The Quartier de la Tour is the oldest district of Houdan. It includes the square in front of the donjon and the Rue du Cheval Bardé. On the Rue des Remparts, the Tour Guinant remains as a trace of the former fortifications, which can be viewed during walks.
Art and Events
La Tannerie is a contemporary art space in Houdan where exhibitions and other cultural events take place throughout the year. At weekends, La Tannerie offers free admission to the public year-round. Another event is La Ronde des Arts, a spring weekend at the Ferme Deschamps during which artists demonstrate various craft techniques to the public.
La Saint Matthieu takes place on the last weekend of September, from Friday evening to Sunday. During the three days, exhibitions featuring poultry, rabbits, horses and cattle are held. The La Saint Christophe festival takes place on the last weekend of June and has existed for more than two centuries. It includes a night market on Saturday evening, a free open-air concert and a night-time opening of the donjon.
Paths and Hiking
Houdan’s soft mobility network includes greenways and cycle paths suitable for walking, running, inline skating, cycling and leisurely rides. The “Houdan – Entre Opton, Vesgre et fausse Vesgre” hiking route is a 7.9 km circular trail with a stated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is free to access and open year-round.
Market and Townscape
The Marché de Houdan takes place every Friday morning on the Rue d’Epernon and extends from the back of the church to the intersection in front of the school. Houdan’s centre invites visitors to stroll through small streets and lanes featuring half-timbered details and the church’s gargoyles. Pâté de Houdan is recommended for tasting as a local speciality of the area’s terroir.
Houdan offers a diverse range of transport options, including road connections and public transport.
