The castle of Dampierre-en-Yvelines is relatively unknown to the general public. However, it is the ideal getaway at the gates of Paris to get some fresh air in a green domain while enjoying an exceptional heritage. Let's go and discover this well kept secret!
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 underwent an intellectual renaissance as it was frequented by artists, scientists and even archaeologists, making it a breeding ground for talent, well known to 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 de 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
Beyond the walks in the beautiful gardens and the immense forest park of the domain, there is no lack of activities in this open-air museum.
You can take a wonderful carriage ride pulled by American mules with your friends or 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 is sure to please young and old alike. Between ponds, marshes, and hundred-year-old trees, this walk in the heart of the nature of the Chevreuse valley is really pleasant. But if you are not a horse lover, you can also rent electric carts to walk around the estate. For a bucolic break, you are free to take a boat ride on the 7-hectare pond. A change of scenery is guaranteed, and what a refreshing break in fine weather! As far as cultural visits are concerned, you will not 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 composed 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 more intrepid 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!
Useful information
When is the best time to visit? Good weather is the ideal time to visit the estate and enjoy its lush, flower-filled gardens. The boat trips are also very refreshing when it is so hot in Paris.
Getting there. Dampierre-en-Yvelines is located about 40 km from Paris.
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Duration. Located near Paris, it is easy to reach the Dampierre-en-Yvelines estate in 1 hour by road or public transport. You can therefore easily come early in the morning when it opens, spend the day there during the weekend and return to Paris in the late afternoon.
Public. This tour is for all audiences and is suitable for the whole family. It will appeal to nature lovers because of the many possibilities for walks in the gardens and forest park, as well as to culture lovers because of the rich heritage of the castle and its collections.
The pluses. It is a total change of scenery at only one hour from Paris. The Dampierre-en-Yvelines estate combines nature and culture thanks to its splendid gardens and the preserved heritage of its castle.
It is a getaway for the whole family: rides in a carriage or a boat, observation of the local wildlife of the Chevreuse Valley ..
The minuses. In case of bad weather, the pleasure of visiting the French and English gardens may be spoiled, but it is still possible to visit the carriage gallery and the cabinet of two curiosities under the shelter of rain.
Useful. To prepare your trip as well as possible
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