Château de Dampierre launches its guided tours

The Château de Dampierre, nestled in the heart of the verdant Vallée de Chevreuse, in Dampierre-en-Yvelines, is preparing to welcome visitors back on March 23, 2024, after a period of winter closure. The last one, since the château will now remain open all year round, and we can look forward to some great Christmas events.

This year, heritage lovers have a unique opportunity to discover the château's interiors on a guided tour prior to their complete restoration. Accompanied by a tour guide, you'll spend around an hour exploring the château's majestic rooms, including salons, dining rooms, the portrait room, the private chapel of the Dukes of Chevreuse and, of course, its majestic mythological museum room, plunging you into a world where history and art meet.

The tour, which is exclusively guided, will allow you to explore the rich décor and many treasures hidden in the château, whose history dates back to the 13th century, before being rebuilt and embellished over the centuries. A privileged witness to French history, the château was home to figures such as Louis XIV and Louis XV, and remained in the Albert de Luynes family until 2018, when it was acquired by Franky Mulliez.

Originally the residence of Cardinal Charles de Lorraine, Archbishop of Rheims and Duc de Chevreuse, the 15th-century château was deemed too austere and underwent major transformations in the 16th century to be enlarged and embellished in line with the trends of the time, a project documented by Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau in his book "Les Plus Excellents Bastiments de France". In the 17th century, the château passed into the de Luynes family and underwent a major reconstruction phase under Charles Honoré d'Albert, who had married Colbert's eldest daughter. With the help of Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the king's first architect, he undertook to modernize and harmonize the château between 1675 and 1688, transforming it into a vast, refined palace reflecting the prestige of Louis XIV's court.

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In the 18th century, Château de Dampierre saw its interior redecorated, with the introduction of new woodwork replacing older decorations, although its exterior remained largely unchanged, with the exception of the addition of an imposing main gate in 1758. The 19th century marked a period of significant transformation under the direction of the 8th Duc de Luynes, who initiated major restorations to create a suitable setting for his precious collections, while introducing a new style. Félix Duban, the architect in charge, was careful to preserve the harmony of the building's rich history and mix of styles, while avoiding monotony and collaborating with the greatest artists of the time.

The great hall, destined to be a museum, features unfinished works by Ingres: the Golden Age and the Iron Age. Discover why the painter never finished his paintings.

Surrounded by a vast park designed by Le Nôtre and listed as a Monument Historique in 2022, Château de Dampierre symbolizes the harmony between classical architecture and nature. Its sandstone and brick walls, outbuildings and gardens bear witness to the evolution of tastes and styles through the ages, from the Renaissance to the modern era.

Guided tours, organized in small groups of no more than 19 people to preserve the intimacy and quality of the experience, are available by reservation only, underlining the exclusivity and singularity of this discovery. Now open all year round, the château promises to become a must-see for lovers of history, architecture and the fine arts.

Château de Dampierre invites you to plunge into the past, to explore the grandeur and beauty of a bygone era. You'll discover the Château as it was before its extensive restoration and refurbishment. This guided tour is a not-to-be-missed discovery for those looking to enrich their knowledge of French heritage and enjoy a unique cultural experience.