During a stay in Houilles, art and architectural history sit alongside clearly defined opportunities for exercise and relaxation. La Graineterie combines its current role as an art centre with a building’s former use; Saint-Nicolas and the Maison Victor Schoelcher add historic features and a regional distinction to the cultural picture. Several leisure facilities are grouped together in Parc Charles-de-Gaulle, while Espace Jemmapes offers a route with a stated length and approximate duration. This makes it easy to shape your days around culture, park activities or a set period of exercise.
Art and Architectural History
Since 2009, La Graineterie has been the art centre of the town of Houilles. It is housed in a former farm that served as a grain merchant’s premises until the middle of the 20th century. The building’s former agricultural and commercial uses provide a tangible historical counterpoint to its current role as an art centre. Its programme brings together projects by French and international artists. The building’s history and an artistic programme featuring French and international artists thus sit side by side.
Church and Regional Heritage
The parish church of Saint-Nicolas can be understood through several dates. It was built in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 16th or 17th century. The bell tower was built between 1648 and 1651, followed by a restoration in 1892 and 1893. The restored church also features remains from the 11th century, a façade from the 17th and 18th centuries, and stained-glass windows from the end of the 19th century, including some by François Haussaire. These dates refer to different parts and building phases: the remains are the oldest feature mentioned, while the tower, façade and windows have their own dates. For specific visiting dates and access information, please check the current municipal information.
The Maison Victor Schoelcher has been awarded the Île-de-France region’s “Patrimoine d’intérêt régional” label. It is regularly opened to visitors as part of the European Heritage Days. As these openings take place on recurring dates, check the current municipal programme before planning a visit.
Park, Play and Exercise
The approximately two-hectare Parc Charles-de-Gaulle offers opportunities for picnics, sports and family relaxation. There is a play area for children under six; the facilities also include a cycling course, multi-sports courts, a scooter ramp and a pétanque court. Various leisure and exercise options are therefore available in the same park. Facilities may change when the park is redesigned, so check the current situation before your visit.
Espace Jemmapes offers young people and adults a 600-metre fitness trail with eight exercises, taking about 30 minutes. The approximate duration and set number of exercises provide a specific framework for planning your day. By comparison, Parc Charles-de-Gaulle offers a range of different leisure activities. You can therefore choose between a route with a stated duration and a wider selection of park activities.
Discover more destinations: Clairefontaine-En-Yvelines, Dampierre-en-Yvelines, Plaisir, Poissy, Mareil-Marly, Épône, Neauphle-le-Château, Arnouville-Lès-Mantes.
For the broader travel overview: Yvelines.
