This town in Yvelines represents Île-de-France at the "Favorite Village of the French 2026" contest!

It’s a town that holds a special place in many hearts, loved for its charming village, its historic castle, and stunning natural surroundings. Out of 14 villages chosen across France and its overseas territories, Dampierre-en-Yvelines, located in the Yvelines (78), has been selected by France Televisions to represent the Île-de-France region in the 2026 edition of the popular Favorite Village of the French contest, the beloved competition hosted by Stéphane Bern. This is a significant recognition for this distinctive village, nestled between Versailles and Rambouillet, with a population of just over 1,000 residents. To earn the title, voters must cast their ballots before Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m..

Dampierre steps into the spotlight, following in the footsteps of three other Yvelines towns that have previously taken part in the competition: Montchauvet in 2017, Montfort-l'Amaury in 2020, and Rochefort-en-Yvelines in 2025. This year’s contest is especially competitive: among its contenders are picturesque villages like Locquirec in Brittany, La Flotte in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Bormes-les-Mimosas-Village in Provence, and Cacao in French Guiana. Thirteen rivals, each boasting unique qualities, but none can rival Dampierre’s proximity to Paris combined with its rich heritage preservation.

What makes Dampierre-en-Yvelines so special?

It all begins with its 17th-century castle, designed by none other than Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the renowned architect of the Palace of Versailles. The gardens, crafted by André Le Nôtre—the same landscape artist responsible for Versailles—add a regal grandeur to the estate. The entire property is officially listed as a Historic Monument. Back in the day, French kings and queens stayed here before the residence transformed into a hub of intellectual and artistic activity.

The village isn’t just about its castle. Its town center, built in direct harmony with the lordly residence, features a cohesive and distinctive architecture: old porches, remnants of its agricultural past, still line the outskirts of the properties. There are also five hamlets—Fourcherolles, Maincourt, Champ Romery, Le Mousseau, and Le Champtier des Fourneaux—and a few unusual sights, such as the unique town hall-church in France, or the Maison de Fer, built for the 1889 World's Fair. An unexpected heritage collection just a stone’s throw from the capital.

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How to Vote in Dampierre-en-Yvelines?

You have two options. The first is free and involves visiting the platform france.tv, where you simply select Dampierre-en-Yvelines from the 14 villages competing. The second option is by phone, by dialing 3245 (at a cost of €0.80 per minute plus your phone provider’s charges). In either case, the deadline is Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM. The winner will be kept secret until the special broadcast, scheduled between late June and early July 2026 on France 3, during which all 14 villages will be showcased through reports, from the last to the first.

In short, if you have a particular fondness for Île-de-France, the Chevreuse Valley, or simply the well-preserved heritage of the Yvelines, now is the time to make your voice heard. Head over to vote and spread the word to those around you.