When was the keep of Houdan built?

It was built in the first half of the 12th century, between 1105 and 1137, by Amaury III of Montfort.

Why did the keep serve as a water tower?

A 200,000-litre metal tank was installed in 1880, later replaced by a concrete tank in 1952, an use that continued until 1970.

Can the keep of Houdan be visited today?

Yes, it has been open to the public since April 2016 following restoration.

Is the keep of Houdan a listed historic monument?

Yes, the keep and its four turrets have been listed since 1889.

Château fort

fort Castle

Houdan

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Prices: from €5.00
Where: Houdan

Official entry: hours and prices maintained by the château itself.

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Open within 20 km

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This week in the agenda

Animation for young audiences: discovering heritage on the back of a ponySun, Sep 20 · château d'Ivry-la-Bataille15 km
Heritage in Danger ExhibitionSun, Sep 20 · château de Beynes22 km
Guided tours of the castleSun, Sep 20 · château de la Verrière26 km

Château fort stands in Houdan (Yvelines), in the Île-de-France region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: first half of the 12th century). Adult admission costs 5 EUR. Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on September 17, 2026.

The keep of Houdan stands apart from the town centre, the last standing remnant of the medieval fortifications. Built in the early 12th century by Amaury III of Montfort, it has an oval plan flanked by four corner turrets that give it a squat, distinctive shape. The tower was never taken by force throughout its history, and later served an unexpected purpose as a water tower for nearly a century. Restored and reopened to visitors in 2016, it can now be toured, including the former tank now used as a screening room.

Written from Donjon de Houdan

What’s new

Personne en situation de handicap + 1 accompagnant : gratuit pour tout le monument, sur présentation d’un justificatif.
Tarif réduit : 4 € adulte et 3 € enfant avec le Pass Destination Yvelines-Hauts-de-Seine et pour les groupes de 10 personnes et plus.
Ouvertures exceptionnelles les dimanches 20 et 27 septembre 2026.
Du 6 mai au 17 octobre 2026 : exposition « Boldoflorine, l’usine et sa célèbre tisane ».
Du 19 au 27 septembre 2026 : exposition « Calligraphie et Enluminure ».

What to know

The keep has been open to visitors since it reopened in April 2016 following restoration work.
Access to the noble floor is via a staircase built into the thickness of the wall, which requires a degree of mobility.
The original floors and roof no longer exist, so much of the visit takes place in a largely open structure.
The former concrete water tank now houses a screening room dedicated to the monument.
The keep and its four turrets have been protected as a historic monument since 1889.

Practical information

Opening hours

Wednesday	10:00-12:30
Friday	10:00-12:30
Saturday	10:00-12:30

Annual closures : public holidays

Prices

Adult: €5.00
Child: €4.00

Free for Child under 6 years old; person with a disability + 1 companion

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Ground floor accessible
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Not verified

A stairlift provides access to the salle basse via the red door; use the intercom to request opening.

Where this château is

Houdan · Yvelines · Île-de-France

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

1 Pl. de la Tour, 78550 Houdan

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+33 7 68 71 40 21

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.2 / 5from 263 Google reviews

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00087453
Period of construction: first half of the 12th century

Itineraries

In pictures

Frequently asked

When was the keep of Houdan built?: It was built in the first half of the 12th century, between 1105 and 1137, by Amaury III of Montfort.
Was the keep of Houdan ever captured?: No, the tower was never taken by force throughout its history.
Why did the keep serve as a water tower?: A 200,000-litre metal tank was installed in 1880, later replaced by a concrete tank in 1952, an use that continued until 1970.
Can the keep of Houdan be visited today?: Yes, it has been open to the public since April 2016 following restoration.
Is the keep of Houdan a listed historic monument?: Yes, the keep and its four turrets have been listed since 1889.

Information verified on September 17, 2026 · Hours and prices: see the official website