Dampierre is immediately and inevitably associated with its nuclear power plant. However, the village has greatly benefitted from the establishment of this industrial site. With a population expansion over 40 years from 600 to 1,508 inhabitants, there would probably be no swimming pool, cinema and theatre without the important contribution of this production centre. But life here did not start 40 years ago!
Dampierre-en-Burly is a very old village, because the first traces of settlement date back to 4,000 BC, and it has been enhanced throughout history by various barons, marquises and other landowners. The village’s natives and curious visitors can discover, thanks to the many paths, dovecotes, old dwellings, ruined mills or manors and many crosses recalling the passage of different members of the clergy.
At the western entrance to the village, Dampierre boasts a remarkable setting thanks to the walls of the château that reflect in the village pond. Indeed, this pond is much appreciated by fishing and rambling enthusiasts, such as on the “grey heron trail”, with its information panels about the wildlife and plant-life on its banks. It is one of almost a dozen bodies of water between the Loire and Orléans forest, and acted as protection against possible invaders attacking from the west or the north.
In Dampierre, community life has enjoyed deep roots for decades, with the very significant involvement of its inhabitants in the many events held in the village (the village fête, day and night festival, fishing contest, cycling race, jumble sales, Bastille Day, the Christmas Vigil, etc.) but also for the flowering and showcasing of the village.
Local business is maintained thanks to the drive of the shopkeepers and the support of the municipality and has further developed following the creation of a health centre.
Dampierre has been able to harmonise its past, present and future by weaving a tight bond between tradition and modernity. Its history can be discovered in the wonderful book “Chemin faisant” (which translates as ‘on the way’), available from the village hall, showing the village’s hidden gems.