Corrida de Houilles
On the last Sunday of December this 10 km urban race, founded in 1972 and World Athletics labelled, gathers the world elite and thousands of amateurs in a festive atmosphere.
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Houilles
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ℹ️Practical info — Houilles
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Taking the RER A from Houilles-Carrières-sur-Seine gets you to central Paris in about 15 minutes, making it a great base.
- If visiting in late December, prepare for road closures and crowds during the famous 'Corrida de Houilles' international street race.
- Parking near the train station is highly regulated; use the official park-and-ride facilities or rely on the local bus network.
- The town center is highly walkable; the area around the Saint-Nicolas church is best explored on foot for its village-like charm.
🍽 Food
🍽
French pastries
Grab fresh croissants and viennoiseries from artisanal bakeries along Rue Gabriel Péri.
🍽
Bistrot dining
Enjoy a traditional French lunch menu at the brasseries around the train station square.
🍽
Cheese and charcuterie
Pick up regional specialties at the indoor market on market days.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Marché de Houilles
A lively open-air market operating on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, first-rate for fresh produce.
🛍
Rue Gabriel Péri
The main shopping artery featuring independent boutiques and local food shops.
🧘
Parc Charles-de-Gaulle
A peaceful park near the center with tall trees and benches for a quiet break.
🧘
Banks of the Seine
A short walk to neighboring Carrières-sur-Seine gives lovely riverside paths.
Water temperature…
Located in the Yvelines department, tightly located between the dynamic business district of La Défense and the tranquil loops of the Seine, Houilles is a lively suburban town with a strong community spirit. Historically known for its vegetable farming and quarrying, the town expanded rapidly with the arrival of the railway, becoming a favored residential spot for Parisians. Today, Houilles maintains a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere, centered around a lively town square and a highly popular twice-weekly market where locals gather for fresh produce and regional delicacies. The town is proudly associated with Victor Schœlcher, the prominent French abolitionist who spent his final years here; his legacy is honored in local monuments. Sports enthusiasts recognize Houilles globally as the host of the Corrida de Houilles, an elite 10-kilometer road race held every December that attracts world-class long-distance runners. With its abundance of leafy parks, family-friendly environment, and incredibly fast RER connections to central Paris, Houilles features an appealing slice of suburban French life that seamlessly balances urban convenience with relaxed local traditions.
- Location: Île-de-France, France
- Top sights: Victor Schoelcher's House · Houilles War Memorial · Charles de Gaulle Park
- Nearby: Nanterre (4 km)
- Population: ~33.983
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 50 | 54 | 41 | 65 | 58 | 55 | 58 | 42 | 61 | 64 | 71 |
Geography
Facts
- Elevation: approximately 35 meters above sea level.
- Total area: 4.43 km².
- The Corrida de Houilles has been held annually since 1972.
- The house where Victor Schœlcher lived is now a historic site.
- The city is twinned with Friedrichsdorf in Germany.
- The weekly market in Houilles is among the largest in the region.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Houilles (7)
Frequently asked questions
What famous sporting event takes place in Houilles?
The Corrida de Houilles is a world-famous 10km road race held every year in December.
How do you get to Houilles from Paris?
Take RER line A or Transilien J/L from Saint-Lazare station; the journey takes about 15-20 minutes.
Which famous author stayed in Houilles?
Victor Hugo spent time here, and a stele commemorates his stay in the city.
When is market day in Houilles?
The lively market takes place on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at Place Michelet.
Are there green spaces for children?
The Parc Charles-de-Gaulle in the city center has playgrounds and shade for families.
Houilles: where is it located?
Houilles is located in Île-de-France, France.
Houilles: what is there to see?
Highlights include Victor Schoelcher's House, Houilles War Memorial, Charles de Gaulle Park.
Houilles: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Houilles: why is it worth visiting?
Located in the Yvelines department, tightly located between the dynamic business district of La Défense and the tranquil loops of the Seine, Houilles is a lively suburban town with a strong community spirit.
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