Dourdan from the air
Dourdan, like Dunmow, dates back to Roman times. You approach the town through an ancient royal hunting forest, now a regional park, past small villages containing ancient buildings once owned by the King. Dourdan has a fine 13th century castle (home to a fascinating museum) and an even older church dating from 1150 (see above).
The timber-framed market hall (rebuilt in the 1850s) hosts twice-weekly markets in which cheese, fruit and vegetables, and all manner of local produce are sold, alongside a lively street market.
Dourdan’s market
Dourdan’s market
Besides its medieval castle and church, and its market, Dourdan has many old houses and specialist food shops, so exploring its cobbled streets is a delight.
View from Square ‘Great Dunmow’
City wall and old houses
The town maintains its strong traditions with regular festivals (including medieval costumed events featuring knights in armour), to which all our members are cordially invited.
Dourdan’s ‘Fete Medievale’
Medieval encampment at the castle
Dourdan’s Twinning association, l’Entente Cordiale, is a flourishing organisation. The members provide us with outstanding hospitality, plus insight into their lovely country and the French way of life. We have developed extremely close and lasting friendships.
Dourdan is located within easy reach of Paris and Versailles by car or train, and close to Chartres and Fontainebleau.
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