Built in 1665 by François Mansart, architect to Louis XIII, for André II de Guiry, the Château de Guiry-en-Vexin is a remarkable example of 17th-century classical architecture, reflecting the rigor and elegance of French classicism. Always in the same family since its origin, it has been passed down through women since the 19th century and now belongs to the Baron and Baroness Gabriel de Barthès de Montfort. The estate includes French-style gardens, a reflecting pool, and a park; it stands at the heart of a village and landscape classified as historic monuments since 1944.
The Guiry family has occupied the site since the Middle Ages and played an active role in the defense of the Vexin. In 2024, the owners created the association “Private Châteaux of the Vexin,” bringing together 12 private châteaux to promote their heritage and organize shared cultural events.
We will be welcomed by the Baron and Baroness de Montfort, who will give us a tour of their château. At the end of the visit, we will present them with the “Paris, Houston and Philadelphia Chapters, with the Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine Kaye Foundation” award for the restoration of the windows on the west façade of the château and la grille d’honneur. Afterwards, we will be warmly received by the Montfort family for lunch.
In the afternoon, out of friendship for the Baron and Baroness de Montfort, Mr. and Mrs. Potin will exceptionally open to us the doors of the Château de Dampont and its park, both of which are normally entirely closed to the public.
Built between 1852 and 1870 for the Count of Kersaint, the Château de Dampont, attributed to Viollet-le-Duc, is an eclectic residence in Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Gothic style, a romantic interpretation of early Renaissance models from the Val de Loire.
Jacques Potin acquired the château in 1908. He entrusted the creation of the park to landscape architect Édouard Redont who designed a pond, a rose garden, planted numerous rare trees, and built several “follies,” highly fashionable in the 18th century: a landing stage, a mock ruin, a rustic bridge, and a Temple of Love with Corinthian columns.
The château and its vast park, as well as its stables— particularly the riding hall for its frescoes —have been listed as a historic monument since October 24, 2002.
The site has served as a filming location for productions such as The Count of Monte Cristo, Sarah Bernhardt, and the series Cat’s Eyes.
This a French language visit.
To register, please contact Cassandra Surer (cassandrasurer@yahoo.com) or purchase tickets below.
