On the occasion of the Heritage Days 2026, the Japanese Gardens of Favières in Seine-et-Marne are opening their doors again at a special discounted rate, this 19 and 20 September 2026. This 7,000 m² sanctuary, conceived by Sandrine Milic, invites quiet contemplation just a 40-minute ride from Paris.
Now is the perfect moment to discover—or rediscover—a distinctive landscape space inspired by Japanese tradition. Nestled in a natural setting, this private garden, dreamed up and created by Sandrine Milic, offers a genuine immersion in Japanese culture through carefully designed zones. Whether you wander through the stroll garden, the karesansui dry garden, or the tea garden, each area reflects the zen spirit at the heart of this ancient tradition.
The place, continually evolving, has become even more beautiful since our last visit, making this discovery—whether first time or renewed—a richer experience. Sandrine Milic drew on nature and Japanese art to craft a space that invites meditation and renewing calm. The Jardins Japonais de Favières let visitors meander and savor the landscape at their own pace, in a peaceful, soothing atmosphere far from the bustle of Paris.
Thus, these Heritage Days present a wonderful chance to explore a place where art and nature mingle, a setting ripe for contemplation. This exceptional opening of the Jardins Japonais de Favières promises a cultural and soothing escape for all who seek a respite from everyday life.
From Abandoned Land to Living Heritage
### The story of an ecological and landscape renaissance
In 2021, Sandrine Milic chose to settle on a plot scarred by years of neglect. Where excavations, impoverished soils and traces of an old dump and a wild quarry persisted, she envisioned traditional Japanese gardens designed according to sakuteiki—the ancient art of arranging stone, water, and plant life.
On nearly 9,000 m², several Japanese gardens gradually take shape around ponds, basins and cascades.
The return of biodiversity was expected, though not its pace. In a few years, several frog species recolonize the ponds. Newts appear. Grass snakes reclaim favorable habitats. Nesting boxes foster the presence of chickadees that devour processionary caterpillars without chemical treatments.
Today, the garden is maintained without herbicides or insecticides. Nearly half of the property remains in a more natural state and is cared for by ecograzing, giving wildlife rare quiet spaces away from the public.
This ecological and landscape renaissance resonates with the theme of the 2026 European Heritage Days: “Endangered Heritage: Rekindle, Resist, Reimagine.” It wasn’t merely about preserving existing heritage, but about inventing a new one.
### Practical information :
• Visits by reservation only
• JEP rate: €4 adult / €2.50 child
• Address: 10 chemin de la Belle Épine, 77220 Favières
Participation conditions: Each visit is capped at 20 people to preserve the tranquility of the site, its wildlife, and the neighborhood. JEP rates: €4 for adults / €2.50 for children - preferential rate | Booking required - https://jardinsfavieres.fr/billetterie/
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–12:00, 14:00–16:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00–12:00, 14:00–16:00
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Japanese gardens at Favières
10 Chemin de la Belle Epine
77220 Favieres
Route planner
Prices
Tarif JEP: €2.5 - €4
Recommended age
For all
Official website
jardinsfavieres.fr
