Have you ever explored a domain where venerable medieval cellars sit beside a mysterious ancient temple hidden beneath the foliage? The Heritage Days return on September 19 and 20, 2026 to open the doors to the finest treasures of the Île-de-France region, often overlooked by the general public. For this new festive edition dedicated to transmission and local discoveries, the Château de Jambville, located in the Yvelines in the heart of the Vexin Français Regional Natural Park, opens its riches to the curious and to lovers of old buildings.
The estate traces its roots to the 13th century, and it still preserves imposing medieval vaulted cellars. Over the centuries, the lords who ruled here transformed the fortress. In the 18th century, the Maussion family gave the castle its sober, elegant look, typical of French classical architecture. This style is defined by strict symmetry, balanced straight lines, clean triangular pediments, and large rectangular windows designed to flood the interiors with natural light.
In the English-style landscaped park spanning nearly 52 hectares, the landowners of the era also had a “garden temple” built in 1775—a striking, Grecian-inspired pavilion. Local lore holds that the pediment of this little structure houses an ancient Gaulish funerary stele, and its subterranean passages were initially used as a secret icehouse before being converted into an intimate crypt for quiet reflection.
Since 1952, the building and its wooded park have belonged to Scouts et Guides de France. The château has become their national training center and a wide gathering hub for the youth. The estate’s mission is to bring to life the values of mutual aid, communal living, civic-mindedness, and environmental awareness, set in a pristine landscape dotted with century-old trees. Discover the activities and guided tours planned for this heritage weekend in the detailed program below.
A village tells its history
### A village reveals its history
### Jambville, its past, its present
History is a long ribbon that unspools and grows day by day, like a strand of DNA. It’s always worth decoding the pieces that make it up—whether major or merely anecdotal—because every piece matters. What holds true for a person also holds true for a village.
We aim to illustrate, in 192 panels, the richness of our local history. With a wide variety of sources—postcards, class photos, municipal stamps, press clippings, and memories written or spoken—we will stroll among monuments and statues, meeting the Jambvillois of the past: bankers, lords, cyclists, clergy, breeders, farmers, industrialists, teachers, carpenters, millers, painters, and other figures of note...
Terms of participation: Free | No reservation required
Opening hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Jambville Castle
1 Rue des Tilleuls
78440 Jambville
Route planner
