Dampierre Castle

Built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart between 1675 and 1683 for the Duke of Chevreuse, Colbert's son-in-law, and restored under Louis-Philippe, the château, now belonging to the Luynes family, stands at the far end of a paved courtyard and is separated from the outbuildings, flanking them on either side by elegant balustrades.

Preceded by a majestic gate and topped with a slate roof, the central section is remarkable for its classically decorated pavilion of four columns supporting a sculpted pediment and for its two Renaissance turrets concealing the corners of the wings.

The château's sumptuous interior, its large, angled reflecting pool, and the park designed by Le Nôtre are also worth a visit.