Just a thirty-minute drive from Paris, there is a place that makes you feel as though you’ve crossed continents in just a few kilometers. The Japanese Gardens of Favières, in Seine-et-Marne, reopened to the public last March, just in time for spring!
A Zen garden listed as part of the Île-de-France natural heritage
Still relatively unknown to the general public, these gardens offer a true immersion in the aesthetics of traditional Japanese landscapes. Here, nothing is left to chance. Water, stone, plants, and vistas come together to create a setting designed to evolve with the seasons. The experience therefore changes depending on the time of year, with spring being particularly popular for the first blooms and the gradual awakening of nature.
The site spans nearly 9,000 square meters and is divided into twelve distinct areas. Highlights include a pond filled with koi carp, a tea garden, areas dedicated to meditation, rock arrangements, and several stone waterfalls. Each section of the path has its own unique atmosphere, designed to slow the pace and encourage contemplation.
The gardens were conceived, designed, and created by landscape architect Sandrine Milic, a specialist in the art of traditional Japanese gardens. This work earned the site the Île-de-France “Petit Patrimoine Naturel” designation, which recognizes remarkable sites in the region. This recognition confirms the unique character of this still-undiscovered gem within the Île-de-France region.
The 2026 season promises a few new features. The teams are announcing enhanced landscaping, minor restoration of certain sections of the garden, and a program centered on Japanese culture. The idea remains the same: to make the garden a place for contemplation, but also for learning and discovery.
On site, some come to photograph the landscapes, others to enjoy the tranquility, or simply to treat themselves to a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The contrast is, in fact, one of the site’s greatest assets: it’s right on the outskirts of Paris, yet the atmosphere makes you feel as though you’re much farther away.
With the return of sunny days, this reopening could well appeal to many residents of the Île-de-France region looking for spring getaways. With their ponds, silence, and carefully arranged vegetation, the Japanese Gardens of Favières offer a soothing, exotic, and still largely undiscovered getaway.
📍Favières Japanese Gardens – 10, chemin de la Belle-Épine, 75010