Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, France

At the confluence of the Oise and Seine Rivers, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine is a mere thirty minutes from Paris by train. However, the pace of life here is considerably slower, reflecting its historical significance as the capital of France’s inland waterways.

This charm is evident through the impressive museum and the traditional boats lining the riverside that signify this rich history. Moreover, consider visiting in June for the Pardon National de la Batellerie, a weekend festival celebrating this glorious past. The quays also offer summer cruises, allowing you to glide past the picturesque landscapes that inspired Impressionist artists such as van Gogh, Pissarro, Cézanne, and Sisley over a century ago.

Let us examine the top attractions in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine:

1. Musée de la Batellerie

The history of France’s inland waterways is extensive and quite fascinating. This museum provides comprehensive insights, detailing the canal projects that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, alongside the various vessels and individuals that navigated these waterways.

Information pertaining to canal locks and other technical advancements that facilitated trade routes in France is readily available. Visitors can embark on a historical journey through the centuries, learning about the steam vessels introduced in the 19th century that supplanted horse, human, and wind power.

Intriguingly, antique shipbuilding tools, navigational instruments, model boats, and archival photographs are displayed to enhance the narrative.

2. Parc du Prieuré

The Musée de la Batellerie is housed within a chateau, reconstructed in the 19th century, showcasing a striking blend of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance architectural styles. Acquired by the town in the 1930s, the park’s beautifully designed gardens follow a plan established a century prior.

Among its features is a tasteful orangery constructed in 1850, alongside a metal and glass greenhouse dating back to 1885. The orangery has been transformed into an exhibition space, featuring a restored 19th-century plaster sculpture by the esteemed Auguste Cain.

Stroll through the lawns and flowerbeds, admire the monumental staircase, and relish the picturesque views of the Seine.

3. Église Saint-Maclou

This church originated in the 900s and has undergone multiple renovations, the most recent taking place in the 1800s. Limited remnants of the medieval Romanesque structure exist, including several column capitals adorned with delicate floral carvings in the apse from around the 1100s.

The bell tower, dated to this period, has also seen extensive restorations, particularly in 1926 when the steeple was struck by lightning. Within the exquisite nave, you will find two recumbent tomb effigies belonging to the ancient Lords of Montmorency, which were remodeled following the Flamboyant Gothic style in the 1400s.

4. Association des Amis du Musée de la Batellerie

In addition to the museum, this association has procured a couple of historic vessels, anchored on the Seine to enhance the exhibits. At the Port de Saint-Nicolas, the Jacques tugboat, classified as a French historic monument and launched at Creil on the Oise in 1905, can be observed. It is moored next to Triton 25, another tugboat initiated later in 1954 and converted to a pusher in the early 1960s.

This craft is fully operational and open for visitation on Sundays throughout the summer.

5. Tour Montjoie

A millennium after its construction, this medieval tower still dominates the skyline of the Seine and Conflans-Sainte-Honorine. Originally serving as the court for the Lords of Conflans, it fell into ruin during the 1400s. The 16-meter-high walls visible today have been adapted over time to serve as residences.

Currently, only a rectangular shell remains, which is closed to the public but has restored window openings and stonework. Visitors can ascend for a photograph opportunity and to glimpse the Seine from this elevated vantage point on the right bank.

6. Bateau-Chapelle Je Sers

Anchored at Quai de la République is an extraordinary boat, the Bateau-Chapelle “Je Sers”. This boat-chapel, which originated from an old coal barge launched in 1919, was constructed by the state in Amreville on the Eure. Following a series of utilitarian roles, it was inaugurated as a parish church for the mariners of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine in 1936, with the blessing of the Bishop of Versailles.

You will be amazed by “Je Sers,” measuring 70 meters in length, which accommodates a cloakroom, food bank, reception area, exhibition of boating artifacts, and, of course, the chapel itself under a radiant glass dome.

7. Pointil

Located on the western side of the town is the iconic site where two renowned rivers converge. A small park has been designed adjacent to the confluence of the Oise and Seine, featuring a riverside path that offers a splendid view of the Seine, along with a 1924 memorial dedicated to the inland waterway workers who perished in the First World War.

A particularly intriguing aspect of this confluence is that the waters of the Oise and Seine do not immediately mix; they are separated by Île Nancy and will only blend two kilometers downstream.

8. River Cruises

It is fitting that the center of France’s inland waterways provides excursions along the Seine and Oise. These cruises, organized by the tourist board, primarily operate from June to September, providing an exceptional opportunity to enjoy long, sunny days on the water.

For those short on time, a round trip to nearby towns such as Cergy, Poissy, or Maisons-Lafitte is available, with an invitation to bring a picnic for enjoyment on board. Conversely, those seeking a full day of adventure can opt for extended journeys to the Oise, into Paris, or even to Normandy, reaching as far as the town of Vernon.

Breakfast and lunch are served onboard, accompanied by informative commentary throughout the journey.

9. Forêt de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Crossing the Seine leads you to a forest historically used as a royal hunting ground for centuries. This area was especially favored by Henry IV and Louis XIII, with Louis XIV going as far as erecting a massive wall to prevent game from escaping.

Scattered throughout the woodlands are remnants of this heritage, including traces of ancient gates and hunting lodges built for Louis XIV (Château du Val) and Louis XV (Pavillon de la Muette). From June to mid-August, families can enjoy the Fête des Loges, the largest fair in the Paris region, featuring over 160 rides and attractions.

10. Château de Maisons

On the opposite bank lies a lavish 17th-century estate constructed in the mid-1600s for René de Longueil, Early Superintendent of Finances during Louis XIV’s reign. The celebrated architect Françoise Mansart was commissioned to design this property, known for introducing the Italian Baroque style to France.

Upon its completion, Château de Maisons was unparalleled in the country, prompting Louis XIV to employ many of the same artisans for the construction of Versailles.

The interior features a blend of Baroque and 18th-century Neoclassical aesthetics, originating from the period when the Comte d’Artois (later King Charles X) resided in the Château.

11. Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Continuing south into the forest leads to this splendid royal palace, which housed kings from the 1100s until the 19th century. Francis I cherished this estate and even wed Claude de France in the Saint-Chapelle located on its grounds in 1514. This early Gothic church, commissioned by Louis IX, was replicated in 1524 at the cherished Chapelle-Royale in Paris.

Currently, the château houses France’s National Archaeology Museum, showcasing captivating artifacts that span from prehistoric times up to the medieval period. The museum’s Palaeolithic galleries are particularly remarkable, featuring iconic pieces such as the 25,000-year-old Venus of Bramssempouy, one of the earliest realistic representations of a human visage.

12. Grande Terrasse de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Historically, there were two châteaux in Saint-Germain-en-Laye; the newer Château Neuf erected in the 17th century was demolished a century later, leaving behind the impressive 2.4-kilometer esplanade in the grounds. This Grande Terrasse was designed by the renowned André Le Nôtre, who achieved prominence at Versailles and created gardens for nobility throughout France.

This site invites reflection over the Seine Valley, a tradition lasting through the centuries. In 1875, the Impressionist Alfred Sisley came here to paint the terrace, resulting in one of his most revered masterpieces.

13. Poissy

Another western suburb rich in attractions, Poissy features museums, historical elements, and iconic architecture. Historians might recall the Colloquy of Poissy, a key event in the French Wars of Religion where Catholics and Protestants convened at the Abbey to reach an understanding.

The remnants of the gatehouse remain, which now hosts the Musée du Jouet (Museum of the Toy), currently undergoing renovations with plans to reopen in 2018. Additionally, architecture enthusiasts will appreciate Le Corbusier’s timeless Villa Savoye, completed between 1928 and 1931, a pivotal work that set the standard for modernist architecture.

14. Travel up the Oise

The Oise River served as a haven for Impressionist artists during the late 1800s. For a cultured experience, embark on a road trip, stopping at charming towns along the riverbanks. Pontoise was home to Camille Pissarro and frequently visited by Paul Cézanne, who immortalized its landmarks in paintings still appreciated today.

Further upstream, Auvers-sur-Oise was where van Gogh created many works in the months leading up to his untimely death. A short drive from Conflans leads to Cergy, a new town showcasing avant-garde monuments like the Axe Majeur, a grand sequence of sculptures spanning the river. Closest to Conflans lies Île de Loisirs, a vast outdoor watersport complex, perfect for warm days.

15. Paris

Utilizing the RER’s Line J, travel from Conflans to Saint-Lazare station within a short thirty-minute journey. For first-time visitors to Paris, a tour of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame Cathedral is essential.

Moreover, the lineup of world-class museums is considerable, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Marmottan Monet, and Musée Rodin.

Additionally, immerse yourself in the charming cobblestone streets of Montmartre, savor meals at delightful bistros, and leisurely stroll through beautiful city parks, including the elevated Coulée Verte.