This weekend of May 9 and 10, 2026, the Dampierre-en-Yvelines estate (78) kicks off the very first edition of its Plant Festival, a fresh gathering for garden, botany and nature enthusiasts. So today marks the start, and we went to check out the opening at one of the department’s finest heritage settings. Nestled in the heart of the Chevreuse Valley, about thirty kilometers southwest of Paris, the estate transforms for a weekend into a true open-air plant market.
Nearly forty exhibitors have taken over the park: nurserymen, florists, landscapers, and artisans are sharing their expertise and creations in this exceptional historic setting. Behind this promising initiative lies a clear objective: to make Dampierre a reference gathering for plant enthusiasts in the Chevreuse Valley, a region that until now offered few horticultural events of this scope. And for a first edition, the lineup is genuinely generous.
Against the backdrop, the silhouette of the Château de Dampierre rises, a jewel by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the architect behind Versailles, with gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. A site listed as a Monument historique, it gives this plant fair a distinctive feel—somewhere between a simple plant market and a cultural stroll. Do note that the castle itself is currently undergoing restoration and is closed to the public, but the gardens remain open and now feature their fountains for our pleasure.
Among the exhibitors, there’s a delightful mix: specialized nurseries like Bonsai Mo, Iz'arôma Fleurs, and Les Plants Bio de M-F for organic plants and aromatics; florists Oh My Green and Un Jour, une Fleur; landscapers Les Jardins de la Vallée and Cerfeuille Paysage; and a whole lifestyle segment featuring artisans offering ceramics, floral jewelry, candles, wickerwork, teas, and natural cosmetics. The estate’s shop is also on site, so visitors can leave with a Dampierre keepsake.
Beyond the exhibitors' village, a packed lineup of workshops and talks frames the two days:
Admission is 12€ for adults and 8€ for children on site (early-bird tickets at 10€ and 5€ were available through April 30). Food and refreshment outlets are on offer on the premises. The estate is reachable from Paris by road via the Chevreuse Valley, or by taking the RER C to Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, then a shuttle or taxi. To plan your visit and potentially book some paid workshops, visit the Domaine de Dampierre’s official site.
This plant festival in the Yvelines is for families with kids as well as seasoned gardeners, botanical enthusiasts, or fans of plant-based crafts. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a truly exceptional historic estate, and perhaps make it the season’s must-do stroll in the 78.
We also recommend:
- The Plant Festivals, Markets and Gardens in Paris and Île-de-France 2026, our comprehensive guide, regularly updated
- The Floralies of Orgeval 2026, another community-focused plant festival in the Yvelines (78) on May 23–24, 2026
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Dates and Opening Time
From May 9, 2026 to May 10, 2026
Location
Dampierre Castle
2 Grande Rue
78720 Dampierre en Yvelines
Prices
Château + fête des plantes: €8 - €12
Recommended age
For all
Booking
www.domaine-dampierre.com
