Houilles – Art, History and Recreation

During a stay in Houilles, you can focus on culture or recreation. La Graineterie and the parish church of Saint-Nicolas bring together distinctive artistic and architectural history; Parc Charles-de-Gaulle and Espace Jemmapes offer different ways to stay active. You can choose places to visit based on whether you are more interested in an art programme, historic architectural periods or a workout.

Art and Architectural History

Since 2009, La Graineterie has been the art centre of the town of Houilles. The building was formerly a farm and served as a grain merchant’s premises until the mid-20th century. Its cultural role thus sits alongside a clearly defined agricultural and commercial past. The programme brings together projects by French and international artists. If you would like to combine art and local history during your stay, you will find two distinct aspects of the place here: the building’s former use and its artistic focus.

The Maison Victor Schoelcher is also a cultural and historical point of interest. It bears the Île-de-France region’s “Patrimoine d’intérêt régional” label and regularly opens as part of the European Heritage Days.

The parish church of Saint-Nicolas reflects several periods. It was built in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 16th or 17th century. The bell tower was constructed from 1648 to 1651; the church was restored in 1892 and 1893. Its features include remains dating from the 11th century, a façade from the 17th and 18th centuries, and stained-glass windows from the late 19th century, including some by François Haussaire. For architecture enthusiasts, this is not a building from a single period, but a succession of different eras. If you would like to visit the Maison Victor Schoelcher or Saint-Nicolas, check the current dates in the municipal programme.

Parks and Recreation

Beyond the cultural attractions, the approximately two-hectare Parc Charles-de-Gaulle offers opportunities for picnics, sports and family relaxation. Its facilities include a play area for children under six, a cycling course, multisport courts, a scooter ramp and a boules court. The options range from play and cycling to multisport and boules. If you plan to use a particular facility, check the current conditions on site.

Espace Jemmapes offers a different focus: it has a 600-metre fitness trail for teenagers and adults, featuring eight exercises and taking about 30 minutes. At the park, you can choose from several activities; the fitness trail combines a route with a series of exercises. When planning, you can compare the wider choice of activities in the park with a workout that has a specified route and approximate duration.

Houilles as a Destination

If you are considering Houilles as a destination, these places can help you decide what to focus on during your trip: art and architectural history, or recreation and relaxation.

Discover more destinations: Andrésy, Maisons-Laffitte, Les Mureaux, Mareil-Marly, Neauphle-le-Château, Bullion, Mézières-Sur-Seine, Grosrouvre.

For the regional travel overview: Yvelines.