The Domaine de Dampierre-en-Yvelines (78), tucked in the heart of the Chevreuse Valley, about forty kilometers from Paris, invites us to a gathering on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., for The Enchanted Garden of Pompadour. We know this estate well, having wandered it through the seasons—from spring bloom to the recently restored French gardens—and this time it is transformed into an 18th‑century festive setting for an afternoon and evening.
The estate’s program unfolds in three parts, to be enjoyed outdoors, in the gardens:
The period costumes aren’t mandatory, but organizers strongly encourage them: they’re what turns the event from a chic picnic into a genuine, time-bending moment. A pannier dress isn’t essential; a touch of historical flair is all you need to join in.
Dampierre wears six centuries of history on its facade: a château built for the Luynes, a 90-hectare park and gardens credited to André Le Nôtre, all set on a reflecting pool that stretches into a grand canal. The 18th century left its mark in ornate décor, lavish celebrations and theater-like staging, a memory the cinema later seized: in 1996, Patrice Leconte shot Ridicule here with its court intrigues. Now, three decades on, the estate returns to the festive, costume-drama vibe, this time under the patronage of Louis XV’s favorite.
Logistically, expect €18 per adult and €10 per child, with some activities for younger visitors available as add-ons on site. Reservations are made directly through the Billetweb online ticketing, and the day’s details are posted on the Garden Party official page. A useful heads-up before you go: the château itself remains closed to the public, due to restoration work. The day is therefore spent outdoors, in the park and gardens, which means checking the weather and wearing appropriate footwear.
That same evening, from 7 p.m., the château’s Grand Salon will host Mascarades, the Venetian masquerade ball of the estate (99 € per person, period-appropriate costumes required this time). Two clearly distinct formats, offering two budgets and two moods. Those who want to linger on site after the event will find, just downstairs, the charming village of Dampierre, with a place to raise a glass and enjoy a gourmet breather.
A Venetian masquerade ball awaits you for a magical evening at this château in the Yvelines.
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, Dampierre-en-Yvelines Castle hosts its annual Venice Carnival. Surrounded by shimmering water reflections and XVIII-century settings, the estate welcomes visitors to an evening of masked and costume ball, celebrating the timeless elegance of Venice in a stunning historic setting. [Read more]
Our take: the package seems tailor-made for families and heritage fans who enjoy dressing in period attire and hearing history told beyond a guided tour. The price remains affordable for a full day, the setting does the work by itself, and the extended hours let you come by in late afternoon to catch the low, grazing light on the gardens. It’s worth a detour, as long as you’re willing to play along with the costume bit: groups arriving in period dress clearly have the most fun.
Want to keep the vibe going? We also recommend the Château de La Celle-Saint-Cloud, another Pompadour haunt in the Yvelines, and our guide to historic balls and fêtes in Paris and Île-de-France, updated as new announcements come in.
Everything you need to know about the Dampierre estate
The Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines presses on with its spectacular restoration and unveils a bustling autumn program, spanning a costumed garden party, Heritage Days 2026, and a slate of new experiences. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On September 26, 2026
From 03:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Location
Dampierre Castle
2 Grande Rue
78720 Dampierre en Yvelines
Route planner
A Venetian masquerade ball awaits you for a magical evening at this château in the Yvelines.
The Château de Dampierre in Yvelines, the estate’s transformation and its 2026 program
