Domaine de Dampierre-en-Yvelines

A little history..

Because of its proximity to Paris and Versailles, the Château de Dampierre has welcomed many kings of France, and not the least, since Louis XIII, Louis XIV and Louis XV often stayed there to enjoy the green Chevreuse valley, a beautiful natural setting where it was established. When the Kings resided there, great festivals were held. They were punctuated by theatrical performances, sumptuous dinners and sometimes even fireworks... In the 19th century, the estate experienced an intellectual renaissance as it was frequented by artists, scientists and even archaeologists, making it a breeding ground for talent, well known by the enlightened minds of the time.

An exceptional property

With a private forest of about 400 hectares protected by a 14-kilometre-long wall, it is one of the largest privately-owned castles in the Paris region. For nearly four centuries, it belonged to the Luynes family who had it built following the marriage of one of its members to a daughter of Colbert. And it was none other than the architect of the Palace of Versailles, Jules Hardouin Mansart, who designed the castle in a verdant landscape created by André Le Nôtre, renowned for his French gardens and whose work can be admired at the Domaine de Dampierre. Today, the estate belongs to Franky Mulliez, a lover of 17th century art history and architecture, who wanted to open it to the public. In his words: "My project for Dampierre is altruistic, humanistic and philanthropic. I want the estate to shine in the future and to be shared by all lovers of heritage, the arts and nature. »

Splendid gardens

The French-style gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, Louis XIV's "gardener", are laid out around a large axis, which gives the estate a beautiful elegance and the walks are always very pleasant. Over time, the style of the gardens has diversified with the creation, around the pond, of an English garden with beautiful plant compositions, a particularly relaxing space. Plant lovers will fall under the spell of the pretty botanical collection of this garden composed of camellias and rhododendrons. As for wildlife lovers, keep an eye out for deer, wild boar and other animals used to the forests of western Paris.

Activities for the whole family

In addition to strolling through the beautiful gardens and the immense forest park of the estate, there is no shortage of on-site activities in this open-air museum. You can take superb horse-drawn carriage rides with your friends, or with your family, to explore the forest park which will give you the feeling of going back in time to the time of the Kings of France. And, with a bit of luck, a deer will pass by, which will not fail to please young and old. Between ponds, marshes, and hundred-year-old trees, this walk in the heart of the nature of the Vallée de Chevreuse is really pleasant. But if you are not a horse lover, you can also rent small electric carts to walk around the estate. For a bucolic break, you are free to go for a boat ride on the pond which covers more than 7 hectares. A change of scenery is guaranteed and it's a refreshing break in fine weather!
As for cultural visits, you won't be outdone. In the carriage gallery, you will discover an exceptional collection of 19th century horse-drawn carriages. Even more unusual is the "cabinet of two curiosities", a natural history museum in itself, in fact made up of two parts, hence the pun... This original 19th century collection is made up of objects that belonged to the Duke Honoré de Luynes, whose family owned the Dampierre-en-Yvelines estate, as well as pieces collected by Franck Mulliez, the current owner of the premises.
The most intrepid visitors will love to venture into the Chimera grove, where a fun and historical trail awaits them. You will be propelled back to 1748 and your mission is to find the gardener by following in the footsteps of Louis XV thanks to the signs. A fun treasure hunt!

Discover the commune of Dampierre-en-Yvelines

Near the estate, you can also discover the commune of Dampierre which is composed of the village of Dampierre and the hamlets of Maincourt-sur-Yvette, Fourcherolles, Le Mousseau and Champ Romery.
Only a few minutes away on foot, you can explore the village of Dampierre with its pretty old houses and charming alleys, between terraces and flea markets. Don't miss visiting the beautiful village church. It is particularly famous for its Luynes funeral chapel, which was built by Debacq and Charles Garnier in 1861. Inside, you can also admire a white marble Virgin and Child from the Second Empire. On leaving the church, admire the old presbytery, one of the prettiest houses in Dampierre. Then take a look at the Maison de Fer, an unusual little house... Entirely built in iron and which can be dismantled, it was presented at the Universal Exhibition of 1889 and is now used as a stopover lodge in the Regional Natural Park of the Chevreuse Valley.
Then continue your walk to the charming hamlet of Maincourt-sur-Yvette with its pretty old houses. It has the particularity of having a "town hall-church" since the same building has been home to the town hall and a church since 1890. The two buildings still serve the same purpose today. Nearby, you can also see the beautiful Maincourt mill and, near the forest, a charming washhouse dating from 1891. And here you are on the GR11 hiking trail! It will lead you to the hamlet of Le Mousseau where you will discover a beautiful 17th century farmhouse and by joining Dampierre you will arrive at Fourcherolles, a small hamlet which seems frozen in time. Throughout your walk, take the opportunity to admire the landscape, the large agricultural plains of Le Mousseau, the hillsides, the state forest of Rambouillet or the green course of the Yvette.