Nestled in the heart of the Sénart Forest, the understated silhouette of a graceful 18th-century pavilion catches the eye of passersby. Built around 1776 for the royal hunting pleasures of Louis XVI, this architectural gem, crafted in the classical style by Jean-François Chalgrin – the architect behind the Arc de Triomphe – once served as a cozy stopover between hunting endeavors. Today, this place is known as the Sénart Fallow Deer Center.
With the Revolution, the grandeur of royal hunting dwindles, and the building changes hands multiple times, experiencing moments of neglect, restoration, and sometimes oblivion. It isn't until the 1970s that la Faisanderie begins to reinvent itself in a bold new way.
During this period, a new wave is sweeping through French culture. The aim is to bring art closer to the public, to make it accessible outside the confines of museums, and to create spaces of freedom. Seizing this opportunity, the National Forest Office, which owns the site, partners with artists and cultural figures to transform la Faisanderie into an open-air hub for creative expression.
Between 1971 and 1973, three international sculpture symposiums took place on the site. These gatherings, which brought artists together—often outdoors—focused on creating and showcasing large-scale works directly on the spot. Artists from France and beyond arrived to craft monumental pieces inspired by the natural landscape. Once a regal retreat, the pavilion transformed over these years into the headquarters of an outdoor artistic laboratory, blending history with contemporary creativity.
Today, approximately twenty sculptures adorn the grounds surrounding the pavilion. Carved from stone or cast in concrete, they blend seamlessly into the woodland setting. Some rise like totems, others nestle among ferns or stretch upward toward the treetops. Each piece invites visitors to dream or reflect, in an environment where the forest’s silence heightens the impact of the art.
The site is now designated as a regional heritage site. Guided tours are available, sometimes even at sunset. These visits are offered by prior arrangement through the Grand Paris Sud Tourist Office.
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Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Monday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Tuesday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Wednesday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Thursday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Friday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Saturday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Sunday:
from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Location
Sénart Pheasantry
Route de la faisanderie
91450 Etiolles
Official website
tourisme-grandparissud.com
