This Île-de-France village, 1 hour from Paris, is a candidate for the title of French Favourite Village 2026.

Every year, millions of TV viewers are enthralled by a show that puts the spotlight on France’s heritage. The French Favourite Village competition returns in 2026 with a major surprise. This time, Île-de-France enters the competition with an exceptional candidate.

Dampierre-en-Yvelines to represent Île-de-France in 2026

The news has just broken, and it’s already causing a stir throughout the Paris region. Dampierre-en-Yvelines has been chosen to fly the flag for the next edition. This Yvelines commune, nestled in the heart of the Chevreuse Valley, offers an enchanting setting just 35 kilometers from Paris.

This picturesque village is home to around 1,100 inhabitants who live to the rhythm of a preserved local life. Its cobbled streets and old houses bear witness to a rich historical past. What’s more, its 17th-century château attracts many curious visitors every year.

For the people of Ile-de-France, this selection is a source of immense pride. Indeed, the capital region is often associated with intense urbanization and large metropolises. And yet, it conceals unsuspected treasures that deserve to be celebrated.

“Dampierre perfectly embodies what the French are looking for: authenticity, charm and a preserved art of living.”

A remarkable architectural heritage

The Château de Dampierre is the jewel in the crown of this Yvelinoise commune. Built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, architect of Versailles, it illustrates the genius of French classicism. History buffs can admire the perfectly manicured formal gardens.

Beyond this emblematic monument, the streets of the village reveal preserved rural architecture. Old farmhouses stand side by side with 19th-century mansions. As a result, a stroll through the village offers a real journey back in time.

• Château de Dampierre and its listed gardens
• 12th-century Saint-Pierre church
• Hiking trails in the Chevreuse Valley
• Local market and producers
• Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park

A program that has been celebrating heritage for over a decade

Launched in 2012 by France Télévisions, this televised competition has captured the hearts of the French. Each region nominates a candidate, then viewers vote for their favorite. Over the years, the show has put the spotlight on sometimes little-known communes.

Iconic presenter Stéphane Bern travels the length and breadth of France to present each selected site. His infectious enthusiasm contributes to the success of this annual event. Millions of people now follow the competition with a passion.

The spin-offs for award winners are considerable in terms of tourism. On average, an award-winning village sees a 30% to 50% increase in visitor numbers the following year. This visibility also boosts the local economy and local businesses.

Previous winners, such as Hunspach in Alsace or Sancerre in Berry, have seen their profile soar. These communities have capitalized on this unique media exposure. Today, they serve as role models for future candidates.

A competition that arouses popular enthusiasm

Viewer voting remains at the heart of the show. Everyone can support their favorite village via the Internet or by telephone. This active participation creates a sense of belonging and regional pride.

Inhabitants of candidate communities often mobilize energetically. They organize events, share information on social networks and raise awareness among those around them. In short, an entire community rallies around this unifying project.

Île-de-France reveals its hidden treasures

Dampierre’s candidacy is a reminder that there’s much more to the Paris region than its capital. Just a few dozen kilometers from the Eiffel Tower, pastoral landscapes await walkers. The Vallée de Chevreuse offers a complete change of scenery for city dwellers.

The Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park encompasses this privileged commune. Its 60,000 hectares of forests, meadows and waterways form an unspoilt green setting. It’s the ideal refuge from urban stress for the inhabitants of the Paris region.

This media exposure could also encourage other parts of the Paris region to promote their heritage. Many of the region’s smaller communities have little-known assets. This program also plays a valuable role in the discovery of the national territory.

For Dampierre-en-Yvelines, the adventure is just beginning. The next few months will be devoted to filming and preparing for the broadcast scheduled for 2026. Dampierre-en-Yvelines residents hope to win this prestigious title and attract new visitors curious to discover this haven of peace on the outskirts of Paris.

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