Château Porgès (78), a prestigious estate boasting one of the finest golf courses in the Paris region

A love of heritage and a passion for golf, combined in a historic setting in the Paris region: that's the promise of this Francilian getaway to the south-west of Paris. In the town of Rochefort-en-Yvelines, on the border between the département des Yvelines (78) and that ofEssonne (91) and not far from Dourdan, lies a sublime palace unlike any other: the Château Porgès.

If you're familiar with Paris, the bold architecture of this building is sure to remind you of a Parisian landmark: it's a replica of theHôtel de Salm, the palace of the Légion d'Honneur in the capital's 7tharrondissement , which also houses a museum dedicated to this prestigious award.

The history of Château Porgès

It was in 1898 that Jules Porgès, a diamond merchant of Austrian origin, decided to acquire the estate to build his wife Rose Anna Wodianer a palace similar to the Hôtel de Salm. Château Porgès was built in five years, drawing on the expertise of several renowned and emerging architects, including Charles Mewes, Georges Hoentschel, Paul Cottancin and Émile Devilette. As for the gardens, they were designed by landscape architect Verhaghe, whileartist Ferdinand Faivre incorporated several sculptures. Construction was completed in 1904.

In 1924, Madame Porgès sold the property to Jean-Léopold Duplan, a silk manufacturer, and the estate passed from hand to hand, passing through history and changing with each new buyer. In 1961, Jean-Pierre Buggeman, founder of the Algeco company, decided to build a golf course on the estate. The project forced Buggeman to resell the estate because of the costs involved.

• To be read
• This week's best deals and highlights in Paris and Île-de-France, from January 26 to February 1, 2026
• Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips

Château Porgès today

Château Porgès also attracts the attention of film-makers. It was the setting for Pierre Etaix's 1964 film Yoyo, Pierre Koralnik's 1966 musical Anna and Michel Drach's 1982 film Guy de Maupassant. More recently, it was the setting for James Huth's 2022 remake of The New Toy.

Today, the château is dedicated to hosting corporate seminars, offering overnight accommodation and a full range of activities for business events. The grounds include a prestigious 18-hole golf course, considered one of the finest in the Paris region. Designed by Frederic William Hawtree, the 110-hectare course features 14 driving ranges, 3 of which are covered. Open all year round.