Best castles around Goussainville offer a glimpse into the region's historical architecture and past. While Goussainville itself features significant châteaux, the broader area provides a range of historical sites. These structures showcase various architectural styles and historical periods, from medieval strongholds to 17th-century estates. Exploring these sites provides insight into the local heritage and evolution of the landscape.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
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Built at the end of the 12th century by the Counts of Montfort and listed as a Historic Monument since 1889, the Houdan Tower was used to watch for enemies and defend the territory. The Keep consists of a 15 m diameter and 21 m high tower, flanked by four turrets of the same height located at the four cardinal points. From the 16th century until the French Revolution, the Keep served as a prison, and executions took place at the foot of the Tower. The first water reservoir was installed in the tower in 1880. The second, built in 1952, is still visible. Tours are available on certain days.
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Monument dating from the end of the 12th century
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Estate built in the first third of the 17th century, having preserved its park, its outbuildings and its alley of lime trees from the end of the 18th century. The castle stands opposite the church of Tilly, it was bought and saved from ruin in 1936 by François Delalande, his daughter still occupies it today. It is a beautiful Louis XIII-style residence, flanked by its two towers with an original domed roof, in a six-hectare park entirely surrounded by walls.
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The Tower (commonly called "The Dungeon"), built in the 12th century under the reign of the Counts of Montfort, and classified as a Historic Monument since 1840, had the function of watching out for enemies and defending the territory. But in reality, it mainly had a dissuasive role since it was reputed to be impregnable. Built on the site of an old Merovingian necropolis, it originally consisted of an enclosure and a main tower. The enclosure, which has now disappeared, had a circular turret intended for the defense of the gate. The access door, located 4 meters from the ground then raised in the 15th century to 6 meters, was the only access to the large room on the 1st floor reserved for the military chief. It was accessed via a drawbridge.
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At the beginning of the road, you will see the old remains of the castle. Only the surrounding wall and two towers have survived the times. But take the time to admire these
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Le château d'Abondant, fut construit au 16ème siècle dans le style Louis XIII. Le château est inscrit au monument historique. L'escalier et sa grille d'entrée ont été classés au registre du patrimoine national en 1928. Le premier propriétaire de ce monument historique aurait été Pierre de Bigot, "seigneur du Fay et de la forêt de Houdan". L'un des aspects remarquable de l'architecture style Louis XIII du château est son décor d'harpages en briques et remplissage en enduit blanc. La façade du château d'Abondant est typique, de part sa sobriété, des premières résidences d'agrément du 17ème siècle siècle. Le grand escalier en pierre fut posé en 1723 et reçut une superbe rampe en fer forgé. Au 18ème siècle, deux pavillons ont été ajoutés au château, sur ses flancs, avec des toitures à la Mansart propre à l'époque, mais tout en conservant le jeu de briques et d'enduit de la construction du XVIIe siècle. Son grand salon du 18ème siècle composé de boiseries peintes, consoles, sièges, lustre et cheminée, se trouve au Musée du Louvre à Paris. En 1951, le domaine fut transformé en établissement médico-social comptant jusqu'à 106 lits dont 104 médicalisés sous la forme de cure médicale, dans lequel sont accueillies des personnes âgées qui présentent des difficultés sociales et/ou avec des pathologies invalidantes. Il est alors géré par une association propriétaire du domaine, réunissant des communes des environs d'Anet ; dans le cadre d'accords passés avec l'Organisation internationale pour les réfugiés et le Ministère des Affaires étrangères, l'association se consacre à l’accueil de vieillards réfugiés ou apatrides, notamment des « Russes blancs » et, après 1954, des ressortissants du Sud-Est asiatique ; cette obligation d’accueillir des réfugiés apatrides a disparu en 1993. Depuis 1999, le centre gérontologique reçoit ses pensionnaires dans de nouveaux locaux construits dans l’enceinte du parc du château ainsi que dans l'ancienne orangerie, réhabilitée. Après une longue période d'abandon, le château est acquis en 2016 par le groupe François 1er, restauré et découpé en 54 logements locatifs
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After a long period of neglect, the castle was restored in 2016 and divided into 54 rental units
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Near Goussainville, you can explore the Donjon of Houdan, a 12th-century tower that served as a defensive stronghold and later a prison. Another unique site is the Remains of Fremont Castle, where only the surrounding wall and two towers have survived, offering a glimpse into its past.
Yes, the region features castles with varied architectural styles. The Château de Tilly is a beautiful Louis XIII-style residence with an original domed roof. The Château d'Abondant, also built in the 16th century in Louis XIII style, showcases typical brick and white render architecture, with 18th-century additions.
The Château de Goussainville-Vieux Pays, built in the 17th century, offers a unique and melancholic experience. It's largely abandoned and in disrepair, located in what's known as a 'ghost village' due to noise from the nearby airport. For those interested in urban exploration or historical sites where nature is reclaiming old buildings, it presents an intriguing visit within the old town.
The Château d'Orval began as a stronghold with a chapel, surrounded by towers and walls. In the 15th century, it was transformed into an elegant Gothic manor by Jean de Richebourg, featuring a beautiful octagonal tower. While significant alterations were made around 1840, including the destruction of parts of its original fortifications and the addition of an English garden, it still provides a window into medieval and early modern aristocratic life. For more details, you can visit guide-tourisme-france.com.
Yes, the Chateau de Bourdonné, originally from the 17th century, was enlarged and remodeled in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its chapel, outbuildings, moat, and park are classified as historical monuments.
You can find various outdoor activities near the castles. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Tour de Houdan – Path Along the Vesgre loop' or the 'Hospital loop from Houdan'. For mountain biking, options include the 'Étang de Hollande – Rompu Pond loop'. Gravel biking enthusiasts can try the 'Route des Deux Chateaux – Hollande Pond loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Goussainville, MTB Trails around Goussainville, and Gravel biking around Goussainville guides.
The Château d'Abondant is listed as family-friendly, and its park offers a calm environment. The Remains of Fremont Castle are also noted as family-friendly, providing an accessible historical site to explore.
Visitors appreciate the historical architecture and the glimpse into the past that these castles offer. The Donjon of Houdan is valued for its historical significance and imposing structure, while the Château de Tilly is admired for its beautiful Louis XIII style and surrounding park. The region's castles have collectively received 20 upvotes and 9 photos from the komoot community.
Yes, there are several hiking trails available. For example, near Houdan, you can find the 'Tour de Houdan – Path Along the Vesgre loop' (5.39 km, easy) or the 'Hospital loop' (13.55 km, moderate). These trails allow you to combine castle visits with outdoor exploration. More hiking options are detailed in the Hiking around Goussainville guide.
Yes, the Château de Tilly is a beautiful private Louis XIII-style residence. It was saved from ruin in 1936 and is still occupied by the owner's daughter. While private, its impressive architecture and six-hectare walled park make it a notable landmark.
The best time to visit depends on your preferences. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant weather for exploring the grounds and nearby trails. If you're interested in specific tours, such as those offered at the Donjon of Houdan, it's advisable to check their availability, as tours are offered on certain days.


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