Le Donjon de Houdan

The Donjon de Houdan is a 12th-century tower commissioned by the Counts of Montfort. This historic monument is also a cultural venue, offering exhibitions, concerts...
The Tower (commonly known as ‘Le Donjon’), built in the 12th century under the reign of the Counts of Montfort, and listed as a Historic Monument since 1889, was designed to watch out for enemies and defend the territory. But in reality, its main role was to act as a deterrent, as it was reputed to be impregnable.

Built on the site of an ancient Merovingian necropolis, it originally consisted of an enclosure and a master tower. The enclosure, which has now disappeared, was fitted with a circular turret to defend the gateway. The access door -via a drawbridge-, initially situated 4 metres above ground level and then raised to 6 metres in the 15th century, was the only access to the large room on the 1st floor reserved for the military chief.

Sometimes associated with the Duchy of Brittany and sometimes with the crown of France, Le Donjon was given by Louis XIV, with the county of Montfort, to the Duke of Luynes. The latter sold it in 1800 to an innkeeper from Houdan, citizen Leroy. Successively owned by various familie, the place was bequeathed by the latter to the town of Houdan in 1903.

It presents traces of its history through its numerous graffiti, some dating from the 17th century. Used as a reserve, then as a prison and later a water tower, it underwent a certain number of changes in order to adapt to its new functions. The water tower, whose first metal tank was installed in 1880, was functional until the 1950s. In 1952, a new, more solid concrete tank was built. The tank is still present to this day, as well as part of the concrete uprights used to support it.

Le Donjon consists of a tower 15 m in diameter and 25 m high, flanked by 4 turrets of the same height located at the four cardinal points.

MONUMENTAL WORKS
Like any historical monument requiring renovation, the work on the dungeon was difficult and complicated due to the historical, architectural aspect and the planning constraints of the monument. No less than 3 and a half years of work were necessary to allow the site to regain a second lease of life and to be able to welcome the many visitors, curious to discover or rediscover this flagship monument of the Houdan landscape.

From now on, young and old will be able to explore the dungeon from bottom to top!