Houdan, Administrative commune in Yvelines, France
Houdan is a French commune in Yvelines, featuring old fortification remains and traditional architecture from different periods. The town centers on a Gothic church built across the 15th through 17th centuries, housing an organ from the 1700s.
The settlement began in the 5th century, with its name coming from the Saxon word 'Hoding', meaning settlement on a hill. Medieval fortifications and the later church construction shaped its growth through the ages.
The Gothic church shows craftsmanship built over generations, with construction elements from different centuries visible in its structure. You can see how different building styles and techniques were layered together over time.
The village sits on Route Nationale 12, offering direct connections to Paris and Brittany. The local train station links it to Paris Montparnasse and Dreux for easy day trips.
The village became known worldwide for the Houdan chicken breed, which came from the local poultry farming tradition. This breed is valued for its decorative looks and white eggs, reflecting the area's farming heritage.
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