This 18th-century masked ball is coming back to life at a château in the Chevreuse valley
Wearing a mask, slipping into a period costume and dancing inside an 18th-century château: it’s not a fantasy, it’s exactly what the Domaine de Dampierre-en-Yvelines is offering on Saturday 26 September, with a full day dedicated to the masked ball and the festivities of a bygone era.
One château, one day, two distinct experiences
The day’s programme is split into two clearly defined parts. First, from 3pm, the estate opens its doors for a garden party called Jardin enchanté de la Pompadour. Then, from 7pm, the château hosts the masquerade, a masked ball that runs until midnight. Together, these two sequences form a complete experience, moving from a festive afternoon outdoors to a costumed evening inside.
The estate sits at the heart of the Chevreuse valley, a natural setting that deepens the sense of travelling back in time. And that is precisely the 18th-century atmosphere the organisers are aiming to recreate, from the afternoon all the way through to the final hours of the night.
The afternoon outdoors: entertainment, equestrian displays and workshops
The garden party spreads across the entire estate. Visitors are free to wander through a programme of artistic entertainment designed for all ages. Equestrian displays are part of the line-up, offering a spectacle perfectly in keeping with the spirit of period celebrations.
Creative workshops are also on offer for those who want to get more involved. Afternoon tea is available on site for an additional charge. This part of the day takes place entirely outdoors, which is worth noting: the château is currently undergoing renovation works and will not be open for interior visits during the afternoon. The grounds, however, provide more than enough of a backdrop to make the most of the event.
The masked ball: costumes, dancing and a courtly atmosphere
The masked ball takes place within the walls of the château, from 7pm to midnight. Music sets the pace throughout the evening, and guests can take part in a dance lesson inspired by the grand balls of the 18th century. Wearing a mask is required to enter the masquerade.
Costumes, on the other hand, are not compulsory. That said, the Domaine de Dampierre strongly encourages them. Dressing in period attire is the surest way to fully immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere of the evening. For those who commit to the look, the masked ball takes on an entirely different dimension.
For anyone still on the fence, the case is straightforward: a masked ball inside a château in the Chevreuse valley, with a dance lesson included, is a rare opportunity. This kind of event brings together culture, celebration and history in a way that feels both tangible and accessible.
What you need to know before booking
- Adult ticket: €18
- Child ticket: €10
- Garden party from 3pm, masquerade from 7pm to midnight
- Afternoon tea available on site at an additional charge
- Château under renovation: interior visits not available during the day
Costumes are strongly recommended by the estate to make the most of the atmosphere. A mask, however, is essential to take part in the evening’s masked ball. Tickets and practical information are available directly from the Domaine de Dampierre-en-Yvelines.
This masked evening is a complete outing, accessible at reasonable prices, in a location steeped in history. Whether you come for the equestrian displays in the afternoon or to dance until midnight at the costumed ball, 26 September offers a genuine immersion into the festive spirit of 18th-century France.
