If you're a fan of Japanese gardens, you'll know that there are two times of year when you can admire them in all their splendour: in spring, when the cherry trees (sakura), azaleas, hydrangeas and camellias are in bloom, and in autumn when the leaves of the trees set the scene alight. Indeed, when autumn comes, Japanese maples explode with glowing colors, while ginkgo trees turn golden yellow to our delight. With the pines trimmed back and the bamboos remaining green, we're presented with an artist's palette.
For those who don't know, the Japanese garden is based on a simple principle: the expression of nature, sacred to the Nipponese. The Japanese garden seeks to achieve balance and harmony by offering a miniature version of the natural environment.
Reproduce and sublimate, that's the quest of Japanese gardens, where water, rock, plants, sand and ornaments are usually the order of the day. For a change of scenery and a rejuvenating stroll through the beautiful parks and gardens surrounding Paris, we present our selection of Japanese gardens to visit in autumn. Make the most of the sunshine before winter sets in, and set off to discover these famous, finely crafted gardens.
The superb Japanese garden at Château de Courances: a bucolic and exotic stroll in the Paris region
The Japanese garden at Château de Courances is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens around Paris, and particularly so in France. Located on the fabulous Courances estate in Essonne, this Anglo-Japanese garden will delight you with its exotic landscapes. Come and discover it from April 5 to November 2, 2025. [Read more]
The gardens of Claude Monet's house in Giverny and their sublime autumn colors
The gardens at Claude Monet's home in Giverny are world-famous. People flock here in spring to see the first blooms and the beautiful wisteria in May, but did you know that its autumn colors are second to none? Dahlias, asters and nasturtiums in profusion mingle with the sublime yellow and red hues of the vines and trees. We love discovering the Japanese-inspired garden, adorned in sublime hues. [Read more]
The Musée Albert-Kahn's Japanese garden takes us on a journey
The Musée Albert Kahn boasts sublime gardens that are a must-see. Conceived as a scenic garden, this 4-hectare space features a magnificent Japanese garden and village. In autumn, the trees, particularly the Japanese maples, are decked out in warm colors. [Read more]
Parc de l'Amitié, Rueil-Malmaison's superb Japanese park
Looking for an original park and garden just outside Paris? Head for Rueil-Malmaison to discover the Parc de l'Amitié, an astonishing park full of treasures, including a Japanese garden with an emblematic red bridge and flourishing vegetation. In autumn, the trees surrounding the Japanese bridge take on warm hues. [Read more]
The beautiful Japanese Garden of Ichikawa in Issy-les-Moulineaux
The Japanese Garden of Ichikawa, just outside Paris, is the result of a partnership between the town of Issy-les-Moulineaux and the Japanese town of Ichikawa. They worked together to create the first truly traditional Japanese public garden in France. We're off to discover this small Zen garden, ideal for meditation and relaxation. [Read more]
So, why not treat yourself to a Japanese discovery around Paris? The show is guaranteed!
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