“Dampierre-en-Yvelines has all the qualities to reach the level of Vaux-le-Vicomte or Chantilly”

A new page opens at the Dampierre-en-Yvelines domain,

With the arrival of Séverin des Mazery, 35, appointed Managing Director in March 2025. Graduated from ESCP, after working in the audit for a large bank, he created a consulting firm specializing in the Economic valuation Historical monuments.

“I founded this company with a friend in early 2017. When we read the ministerial report explaining that a quarter of the Historical monuments In France was in danger if nothing had been done. It challenged us, ”he recalls.

Between 2018 and 2024, the company supported a hundred sites, especially to help them find a sustainable economic model.

A strategy to reach 350,000 visitors

His appointment coincides with a new development phase for the field currently in full reorganization. The objective: to make Dampierre a major cultural site in Île-de-France.

“Dampierre, by its long history going back to the Renaissance, has all the architectural and landscape qualities to ultimately reach the same attendance levels as Chantilly or Vaux-le-Vicomte, or nearly 350,000 visitors per year. »»

It aims well to define a global, viable and lasting strategy for this site. “An exceptional area that revives and opens to the public thanks to Franky Mulliez, a patron who has invested a lot of his personal fortune for this site, The most important in Europe On a private monument. »»

“Grangling gradually”

Currently, about 60,000 visitors per year, mainly Yvelinois or Essonians, are identified in Dampierre, of which a lot of free

“The idea is to gain power gradually by touching a more diverse audience. first of all, we will have to achieve a balance on exploitation, which is not the case today. »»

“Then, it will be necessary to use the surpluses to maintain this jewel whose important restoration started 7 years ago. »»

The month of June 2025 will also mark the end of the so-called pre-opening period. In recent years, many and essential sites have been undertaken: repair of networks, paved courses, pavilions and the gate of honor as well as the clos and the cover of the castle. At the height, near 120 companions The Renaissance of this Yvelinese jewelry was worked during the Renaissance designed by Jules Hardouin Mansart.

Within a month will end The return of French gardensas they existed at the end of the XVII^e century, with eight large basins with jets, recovered in water. The charming pavilion at the end of the domain pond will also be broken at this time.

This does not mean the end of the work as far as the goal, ultimately, is to exhibit Art collections by Franky Mulliez.

“Innu a new dynamic”

If for the moment the details of the upcoming projects are not revealed, the 90 ha of the domain are always accessible throughout the year for on foot, in Rosalie, in electric carts or in a carriage.

The new development phase of the site, which aims for attendance at 150,000 visitors in the first threshold, will be made in concertation With all the actors of the territory: commune, community of communes, department, prefecture … because the project will necessarily impact the territory. “A parking lot in the field has already been created to welcome visitors, but we will have to think about means of transport in alternative to the car because we are not served by public transport. »»

“All ideas will be put on the table”

Reflections on soft mobility (the Domaine parking lot is labeled Bike Welcome) or even set up shuttles at Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse station … “All ideas can be put on the table, in consultation with the various actors”, assures Séverin des Mazery.

One thing is certain, the new general delegate undertakes his new mission with passion and enthusiasm. As for Franky Mulliez, the owner of the premises, he is delighted with his arrival: “He will breathe a new dynamic In the area when starting the final phase of its pre -covering, with the rise of the operating team and the progressive inauguration of spaces after a decade of Herculean works. »»

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