With the arrival of sunny days, we feel like setting off on an adventure to discover our heritage. Among the beauties hidden in our region is the pretty village of Dampierre-en-Yvelines. A very bucolic village of 1,000 inhabitants, where life is good. The village, which is in the running to become France’s favorite village in 2026, is home to one of the most spectacular castles in the Chevreuse Valley: the Château de Dampierre. This impressive building, listed as a historic monument, conceals a magnificent 400-hectare forest garden designed by André Le Nôtre.
A dazzling golden castle close to Paris
© Chloé DAUMAL
Built in the 17th century, this magnificent building is the very heart of the village. Its flamboyant architecture inspired the entire center, which was built around it, incorporating specific architectural features of the château into the facades of its houses. Formerly the residence of the kings and queens of France during their stays in the region, it is often compared to the château of the Sun King. It should be noted that the Château de Dampierre was designed by the architect of the Palace of Versailles, Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Surrounded by a huge 400-hectare forest park, its magnificent 90-hectare historic gardens, designed by Le Nôtre, are a perfect example of French formal gardens.
©co.versailles
With its large lake, its ponds animated by various water features, and its many paths to stroll along, the estate offers many particularly pleasant views that you will enjoy discovering. You can explore on foot, by horse-drawn carriage, by quadricycle, or by golf cart to discover its amazing and well-preserved flora and fauna: foxes, wild boars, fallow deer, roe deer, various birds, and more. Something to delight young and old alike. Although the interior and exterior of the château have been undergoing renovation since 2023, it is still possible to stroll through its wonderful gardens, go boating on its ponds, visit its mini-farm with its sheep, donkeys, and adorable chickens, or even play at being an apprentice animal caretaker for a day…
©co.versailles castle near Paris
The estate and its gardens can be accessed via guided or self-guided tours. In short, this little-known castle is well worth exploring and admiring during a beautiful sunny weekend.
📍 Location: 2 Grande Rue, 78720 Dampierre-en-Yvelines
🎟️ Price for the park and gardens: €10 for adults, €5 for children