Japanese gardens in Paris

(4mn35 of reading)

No matter the culture in which we are immersed, Japanese gardens have always fascinated our European minds with their abilities conducive to zenitude. The trend may well direct us towards design, but Parisians like to immerse themselves in this landscaping art from another world. The bon chic bon genre style remains, with a touch of timeless glamour.

Through miniature gardens, these paintings speak to us of immensity, that of elements from nature. Trees, mountains, lakes and more are laid out in a very structured way, which seems to challenge you to imagine them otherwise. A staging of which we would be very ungrateful to deny the benefits, both in our minds and on our well-being.

1) Albert-Kahn Japanese Garden:

It is in the annex of the museum that a visionary humanist project was born. The famous philanthropist has dedicated his collections to it and made funds available to promote universal peace. His spirit transports us thousands of light years from Boulogne-Billancourt , a source of inspiration and a change of scenery within the city. It is a real jewel in terms of landscaping, which extends over 4 hectares and is embellished with 10 different themes.

The contemporary garden and the Japanese village split into two spaces, which the banker created at the end of the ^19th century. They coexist harmoniously with those of Vosges, English or French style, rose garden etc. The talent of Japanese artists has drawn inspiration from their traditions to arrange the slightest rock and each plant in its noble place. You will discover a river of round stones, a sea of ​​foam, a waterfall of azaleas... pure majesty!

Their ephemeral beauty deriving from the custom of Hanami , take advantage of spring to come and admire the flowering of the cherry trees.

2) Zen garden of the Heidelbach hotel :

Rather unknown to the general public, you will find a splendid Japanese garden there, also called the Buddhist Pantheon. You are immersed in Japanese culture, a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower, a haven of peace in the heart of crazy Paris. Completely redesigned by Agnès Latour Kurashige and Jean-Sébastien Cluzel, architects who were inspired by Zen gardens, they leave a very important place to minerals.

These being drier than the traditional Japanese gardens, the walks are done in a total change of scenery. Pebbles, rocks and raked gravel proving conducive to meditation, it is in contemplation that you will pour. You will nevertheless discover a charming water point, placed in the very center of the garden, bordered by rocks and overhung by wooden pontoons. Tall bamboos scattered here and there, to affix a soothing touch of freshness, offer an exotic setting as desired.

Note that this garden is home to a cute pavilion, in the heart of which tea ceremonies are frequently organized.

3) Unesco Japanese Garden:

Arranged at the very foot of the building of the institution, this work that we owe to the sculptor Isamu Noguchi is rightly nicknamed " Garden of Peace ". The artist put his talents as a designer to work, to decorate 1,700 m2 of zen surface in the heart of Paris. Enough to make us travel to the land of the imaginary, far away from the capital and its pragmatic spirit.

From cherry blossoms to a miniature lake, from trees and shrubs to winding paths, the landscapes are all about elegance. Those who have the honor of frequenting it derive innumerable benefits. A stroll is essential in any case, if only to taste the serenity and harmony that flow from this ordered composition. To complete the ensemble, the Fountain of Peace, a sculpture emerging from a block of granite, is illustrated with an engraving in Japanese characters of the word “Peace”.

A suave osmosis of the vegetable, the aquatic and the mineral, which evokes the three aspects of the art of the garden at rising sun!