A castle may be gone, but its estate keeps telling its story. For the Journées du Patrimoine 2026, held on the weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026, the Domaine d’Ors in Châteaufort, in the Yvelines, invites visitors to view this corner of the Chevreuse valley—where historic ruins meet natural spaces—in a new light. Created in France in 1984, the Journées du Patrimoine are precisely intended to showcase the full breadth of heritage to a broad audience, notably through discoveries of sites and occasionally exceptional openings.
The history of Domaine d’Ors is the story of a vast rural estate that grew over the centuries around a château, its outbuildings, and the everyday infrastructures that kept life on the property going. The château, heavily remodelled in the 19th century, did not survive the 20th century intact: abandoned and then ruined, it ultimately disappeared.
Nevertheless, Ors has not turned into a blank page. Several traces of its past endure, starting with the Moulin d’Ors, a former water-powered mill fed by the Mérantaise. Other remnants and features still recall the layout of the old estate and the uses that followed over time.
Today, the site is also notable for its natural heritage. Around the Mérantaise, a tributary of the Yvette, woodlands, meadows, and wetlands form a landscape typical of the valley floors of the Upper Chevreuse Valley.
The site's mission is twofold: to protect natural habitats and their biodiversity while preserving the memory of the Domaine d’Ors. This blend of local history and environmental protection gives the place a distinctive identity: here, the traces of human activity coexist with a valley gradually returning to nature.
Guided tour exploring the history of the Domaine d’Ors and the nature reserve
A guided tour of the Ors estate in Châteaufort, Yvelines, and its nature reserve, led by Françoise Martin, president of the ADVMC (Association for the Defense of the Mérantaise Valley and Châteaufort), and Arnaud Codant from the Regional Park of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse.
Participation terms: Limited to 20 participants — Reservation required | Free - 0130520909
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 to 12:00
Visit to the monuments of Domaine D'Ors: the chapel, the icehouse, the gallery bridge, and the outbuildings...
Chapel exhibition by Florence Heliot.
Self-guided tour of the icehouse.
Several monuments open to visitors on a special basis.
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Hours : Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Beekeeping workshop on the life of bees
### Beehive Animation by Xavier Denis, Beekeeper
Group workshops of 10 to get up close to the bees with a demonstration by the beekeeper (suit provided). Registrations open from age 6. Prerequisites: no perfume and wearing covering clothing (closed shoes and long pants mandatory).
Free demonstration during the European Heritage Days. Each year, this activity delights both young and old and books up quickly! Be sure to reserve.
With a suit, you’ll get as close as possible to the bees. The beekeeper keeps hives at Domaine d'Ors. Honey is sold on site.
3 groups of up to 10 people at 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
Children admitted from age 6.
Location: a marquee near the Tremplin
Reservations for one of the three sessions (from age 6): 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m. by email: assos.xaden@free.fr
Participation conditions: Groups are capped at 10 participants. Registration begins at age 6. Prerequisites: do not wear perfume and wear covering clothing (closed-toe shoes and long pants required). - Reservation required | Free - xavier.denis@fr.mcd.com
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 2:00 PM–3:00 PM, 3:00 PM–4:00 PM, 4:00 PM–5:00 PM
First look at the documentary film The Call of the Valley
The Call of the Valley
Screening of the documentary about the Mérantaise Valley, made for the site's 50th anniversary.
Produced with the support of the Regional Natural Park of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse and driven by Françoise Martin, president of the ADVMC.
Showcasing the valley with interviews and a look at the wildlife that inhabits it.
Participation conditions: Limited to 200 attendees - Free | Registration required - https://www.helloasso.com/associations/association-pour-la-valorisation-du-patrimoine-castelfortain/evenements/projection-avant-premiere-film-documentaire-l-appel-de-la-vallee
Times: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 5:00 PM ⤏ 6:00 PM
Show "Entre Copains d'Abord," a tribute to Raymond Devos by Marie-Silvia Manuel
Among Friends First
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From 6:00 p.m.: an exhibition in homage to Raymond Devos twenty years after his death. Raymond Devos was a clowning artist, musician, poet and humorist who lived in the Chevreuse Valley. His house has become a museum in Saint-Rémy-lès-Cehevreuse.
7:00 p.m.: medieval aperitif and catering
8:00 p.m.: show begins at Le Tremplin
The show is staged by the Mascarille Company with Marie-Silvia Manuel, accompanied at the piano by Marc Goldfeder.
Among Friends First is the meeting of two friends: Raymond Devos and Georges Brassens.
Participation conditions: Limited to 200 seats. Admission: Show with catering and an aperitif €28; show only €20. Reservations required | Special rate - https://www.helloasso.com/associations/association-pour-la-valorisation-du-patrimoine-castelfortain/evenements/spectacle-entre-copains-d-abord-en-hommage-a-raymond-devos-et-georges-brassens
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
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Dates and Opening Time
On September 19, 2026
Location
Ors Estate
55 Rue d'Ors
78117 Chateaufort
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