Completed in 1222 by Philippe Auguste, the Château de Dourdan is one of the few buildings in the region to have retained most of its original structure. Heir to a rich history, the site is emblematic of the town of Dourdan, in theEssonne department.
But before we go any further, a little history! Between the end of the 12th and the beginning of the 13th centuries, the Capetians (French) and the Plantagenets (English) were at war, and King Philip II Augustus launched a major military construction program. Construction of the Château de Dourdan was launched, and by 1222, the building was completed. Over the centuries, Château de Dourdan was handed down from generation to generation, passing from hand to hand within the French royal family.
In the 1970s,major renovation work began on the castle, and a municipal museum was set up next door, in a Dourdan house. You can visit part of the castle, still preserved and in very good condition, as well as the museum, located within the castle walls. You'll pay €5 to see what's left of the castle (full price), and €2.50 for a reduced rate, bearing in mind that it's possible to visit the site freely from Wednesday to Saturday, every afternoon (2pm to 5pm) and some mornings (10:30am to 12:30pm).
To get here, simply take the RER C towards Dourdan-la-Forêt, get off one station before (Dourdan station) and walk for just ten minutes before arriving.
Location
Château de Dourdan
Place du Général de Gaulle
91410 Dourdan
Official website
chateau.dourdan.fr
