The Seine runs through it
Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, between Seine and Oise
Située à 30km de Paris au confluent de l’Oise et de la Seine, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine est une charmante petite ville où il fait bon vivre. Partez à la découverte de ce décor atypique où les conflanais « d’à bord » et «d’à terre » se retrouvent autour de la place Fouillère au pied de la vieille ville. Conflans-Sainte-Honorine vit au rythme de la confluence… En terrasse ou en balade le long des quais, on y voit défiler des bateaux de plaisance, de commerces, de croisières. Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, c’est le calme à deux de Paris…
Essentials
The museum of inland navigation and waterways
You can’t visit Conflans-Sainte-Honorine without stopping off at the Musée de la Batellerie et des voies navigables. The Musée de la Batellerie is the largest and only museum of its kind in France devoted to the history of inland navigation and showcases Conflans-Sainte-Honorine’s rich river heritage. Thanks to its geographical location at the confluence of the Oise and Seine rivers, and 19th-century technological discoveries such as “touage” (warping), Conflans-Sainte-Honorine quickly became the French capital of inland waterway transport. The château, a model of architectural eclecticism, has housed the museum since 1966. The Grand Cellier is a listed historic monument. A visit to the Musée de la Batellerie also gives you a better understanding of the history and traditions of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine.
A little extra: take a guided tour with a museum mediator, and you’ll discover a new passion for inland waterway transport…
A stroll along the banks of the Seine
After visiting the museum, take a cruise along the Seine! But before you do, enjoy a stroll along the banks, which have been specially developed for walking. Punctuated by benches and belvederes overlooking the Seine, they offer a unique view of the river, its wildlife and its boats. It’s also an opportunity to admire the incessant parade of commercial boats, barges and pusher tugs, and to meet up with the services on the water: the gendarmerie fluviale (river police), the fire department’s nautical centre and its pump boat, and the “Je Sers” chapel boat. Don’t miss the museum boats, the Jacques and the Triton 25, moored in Port Saint-Nicolas and renovated between 2013 and 2015 by the Association des amis du Musée de la Batellerie.
Cruises on the Seine
Going to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine and missing out on the cruise is a bit like going to Paris and missing out on the Eiffel Tower. Armed with all your newly acquired knowledge of inland navigation, come aboard a cruise to appreciate Conflans-Sainte-Honorine from the point of view of the “on board” residents and sailors. A unique moment of relaxation and pleasure aboard Conflans’ boats. Ask at the Tourist Office for times and the programme.
Visits and discoveries
Pedestrian lanes
The town of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine offers several routes to discover the town’s heritage, starting from Place Fouillère. The pedestrian streets of the old town await you for a stroll to discover the most beautiful panoramas. As you stroll along, you’ll discover the heritage of the old upper town, with its Montjoie tower, Saint-Maclou church (a recently renovated Romanesque-Gothic building well worth a visit!) and picturesque alleyways.
The Parc du Prieuré
After a stroll through old Conflans or a visit to the Musée de la Batellerie, there’s nothing like a stroll through the alleys of the Parc du Prieuré. As soon as you enter, you’ll be seduced by this park, where relaxation is guaranteed. The entrance to the park is marked by a beautiful neo-Renaissance pavilion with refined decor, and the rest of this historic site is also very well preserved: from the old dovecote to the magnificent greenhouses entirely renovated thanks to Alain Chabat’s film “Sur les traces du Marsupilami”, not forgetting the sparse remains of the priory. The park offers breathtaking views over the Seine valley. Equipped with children’s play equipment and a paddling pool (open to all from the end of June to the start of the school year in September), the Parc du Prieuré is the perfect place to relax and have fun.
The terraces
Located right next to the Musée de la Batellerie et des voies navigables, the terraces also offer superb views of the Seine and its users. Sitting on a bench, on the grass, in the shade of a tree or in the sun, take a break at the terraces and enjoy a moment of relaxation!
A tasty break
Le Bateau Chocolaté €€
Come aboard the chocolate boat and take your taste buds on a voyage of discovery! Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a family meal, a brunch or a sweet break at snack time, you’ll enjoy a convivial and pleasant moment. The chocolate boat offers an unusual setting. Depending on your tastes, sip an aperitif in the sunshine or sample West Indian specialities aboard a 1960s Freycinet barge.
O’Bistro d’à Côté €
More than just a bistro, O’Bistro d’à Côté is a warm and relaxed bistro in the heart of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine. It aims to work with simple, quality products to offer customers the most delicious and unique flavours in the simplest of ways.
Good to know! Every year in June, the town of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine celebrates the Pardon National de la Batellerie, a patriotic and festive event attended by a large number of boats decked out in flags. It’s an opportunity to find out more about Conflans’ traditions and take some great photos of the boats decked out in flags.
