Looking for a change of scene in the Yvelines? Head for the Yili Garden in Saint-Rémy-l'Honoré this Sunday, October 5, 2025, to celebrate the Moon Festival. This thousand-year-old Chinese tradition, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is one of the most important events on the Chinese calendar after New Year's Day. Jardin Yili, France's first traditional Chinese garden, is offering a day of events to discover this celebration in an authentic setting, just 33 km from Paris.
This Sunday afternoon, from 2pm, the garden is transformed into a festive venue, with a program of free events included in the admission ticket. The owner of the site opens the festivities with a presentation of her 10,000 m² garden, divided into three areas: the scholar's garden, the peony garden and the bonsai garden. Visitors are then introduced to the origins of the Moon Festival, celebrated for over 3,000 years on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon shines brightly. The legend tells of Chang'e, who drank an elixir of immortality and flew to the moon, creating the founding myth of this festival.
The program continues with a Taichi demonstration and an introduction to Qigong, led by Joëlle from Club Yang Arcisien. These Chinese body disciplines add a Zen dimension to this contemplative day. The HEYI Association, which promotes dialogue between French and Chinese cultures, then offers a traditional tea ritual. This tea ceremony recalls the noble activities practiced in Chinese literary gardens since the Tang dynasty.
The gourmet moment of the day arrives with the tasting of mooncakes, those famous pastries called yuèbǐng. Traditionally filled with a sweet red bean or date paste, sometimes embellished with salted yolks reminiscent of the shape of the moon, these cakes have a fascinating history. Legend has it that Han rebels used them to pass secret messages under the Yuan dynasty, thus organizing a revolt. Just the thing to spice up your meal.
The Yili Garden is well worth a visit. Created in 2004 by Shi Kang and her husband Qunwei, this authentic garden celebrates the spirituality of Chinese culture with its cedar-wood gazebos imported directly from China, and its granite statues and monuments. The architecture brings together the philosophies of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, with its pavilions, bridges and ponds. The site also boasts a fine collection of bonsais, with over a hundred species and numerous pieces of pottery.
The good news is that no reservations are required for this day. Admission remains affordable at 7 euros per person, with children under 8 free. An ideal cultural outing for families and those curious about Asian culture, for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.
Jardin Yili is located at 12 rue d'Yte in Saint-Rémy-l'Honoré (78690). To get there by car from Paris, allow around 45 minutes via the A13 and then the N12, towards Rambouillet. By public transport, get to the Montfort-l'Amaury-Méré station from the Gare Montparnasse (line N), then take a cab or carpool for the remaining 8 km. Open this Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 2pm, all events are included in the garden entrance ticket at no extra charge, and no reservation is necessary.
Dates and Opening Time
On October 5, 2025
Location
Yili Garden
12 Rue d'Yte
78690 Saint Remy l'Honore
Prices
Moins de 8 ans: Free
Animations: Free
Entrée jardin: €7
Official website
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