Built in sandstone and bricks, the chateau of Dampierre en Yvelines is an outstanding architectural work.
Hired by the Luynes family, the architect Jules Hardouin Mansart built Dampierre at the same time as he was working on the Palace of Versailles for the King Louis XIV.

15th AND 16th CENTURY
Residence of the cardinal Charles de Lorraine, archbishop of Reims, and Duke of Chevreuse, the 15th century castle was considered by its owner as too austere. I t was decided to completly rebuild the castle, making it bigger and embellishing it in the taste of the 16th century.
In his book  ‘The Most Excellent Buildings of France‘, Jacques Androuet du Cerceau illustrates and documents this building.
17th CENTURY
During the 15th century the chateau passed to the Luynes family, thanks to the Duchess Marie of Rohan, widow to Charles d’Albert de Luynes.
By his marriage with Colbert’s older daughter, her grand son the duke Charles Honoré d’Albert became an important member of the royal court. He undertook a massive reconstruction of Dampierre thanks to Jules Hardouin Mansart , the first architect of the These Herculean efforts lasted several years from 1675 to 1688. Finally, the castle was finished and drew attention by becoming one of the most luxurious estate in the area. I t was thus worthy to welcome the great King Louis XIV.
18th CENTURY
During the 18th century, the outside appearance of the castle did not change much. However, many ameliorations were made in the different rooms, where intricate woodwork replaced the worn out ornaments of the 17 th century.
In 1758, an imposing entrance gate was installed in front of the castle.
19th CENTURY
The eighth Duke of Luynes undertook deep restorations in order to welcome his precious scientific collections.
He hired Felix Duban to remodel the castle in the taste of the day while still maintaining the century long history of the building.
This created a mix of different styles brought by all the greatest artists of the time.