Travel to China without leaving the Paris region - that's what Jardin Yili, located in Saint-Rémy-l'Honoré, Yvelines, offers. Some thirty kilometers from Paris, this traditional Chinese garden offers an exotic escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Created in 2004, the Year of China in France, by Shi Kang and her husband Qunwei, this 10,000 m² site celebrates the richness and spirituality of Chinese culture.
Jardin Yili is distinguished by its cedar-wood kiosks, imported directly from China, and its granite statues and monuments, which evoke age-old traditions. The presence of water, with a reconstituted waterfall, and decorative stones engraved with ideograms contribute to the Zen atmosphere of the site. Shi Kang, inspired by the landscapes of Suzhou, designed this garden in 3 distinct spaces, respecting the principles of feng shui and reflecting the philosophy of yin and yang:
Le Jardin Yili is a unique space. It is made up of various elements meticulously arranged to create the illusion of a three-dimensional painting. Each component of the garden - from the pavilions dedicated to games and concerts, to the corridors inviting you to relax sheltered from the sun and rain, to the bridges and basins crossing the water - plays a specific role, contributing to the overall effect of this living work of art.
The materials are carefully chosen:the stones, symbolizing Yang with their robustness and unique shapes, and the basins, reflecting Yin with their softness and shimmering surface. Each gate and pavilion bears a name, embodying the feelings and moods desired by the garden's master.
Vegetation is also selected according to strict criteria to reinforce this harmony. Bamboo, for example, remains green all year round, symbolizing uprightness and honesty. The lotus, emerging immaculately from its muddy surroundings, represents purity, while the peony and prunus embody wealth and courage respectively, elements that are very strong in Chinese culture.
Yili Garden is not only a place of beauty and contemplation; it is also a center of education on the Chinese philosophy of the learned through the ages. The section of the garden dedicated to peonies uses the shapes of the eight trigrams to present a diverse floral landscape, highlighting the many varieties of peonies, which are not only a symbol of glory and wealth but also a testimony to the thousand-year history of this flower in China.
At Jardin Yili, you'll find an impressive collection of bonsais, grown on site, plum trees, bamboos and chrysanthemums, species popular in China but rare in their traditional representation in France. The art of ikebana is also showcased by Émilie, the owners' daughter, who composes floral arrangements for our delight.
Traditional Chinese objects and furnishings, carefully sourced by the owners, enrich the experience. From colorful parasols to wooden tables and calligraphy kits, every detail helps transport visitors to another world.
The garden evolves with the seasons and blooms, so you can discover all the beauty of the gardens, from spring when the wisteria, iris and peonies come out, to autumn when the maples turn all their colors.
Activities and events enrich your visit to Jardin Yili: traditional music, bonsai initiation and live painting are just some of the discoveries you can make on site. Guided tours are offered every weekend, revealing the secrets of the garden and Chinese philosophy. Major Chinese festivals, such as the Peony Festival and the Duanwu Festival, attract large crowds who come to celebrate these traditions in an authentic setting.
The garden is a place of reflection and tranquility, where some even come to practice tai-chi-chuan. It's a haven of peace that reflects Shi Kang's nostalgia for the landscapes of his childhood, while offering French visitors a tangible insight into Chinese culture.
While some visitors may deplore the lack of maintenance, it should be noted that this is a private garden and receives no subsidies. The price of admission is not necessarily sufficient to maintain this immense space, which requires a great deal of work every day. The garden is also constantly evolving, with new flagstones and pipes appearing. When we visited, a tea room in the Jardin des Bonsaïs was taking shape, which augurs well for relaxing moments on the estate's exceptional Chinese tables.
Jardin Yili is open from March to November and on public holidays, every weekend from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with entrance fees of 7 euros (free for children under 5). In short, if you're in the mood for a superb , exotic garden , and want to immerse yourself in the world of the land of the rising sun, where every stone, every plant and every construction tells a story, head for Jardin Yili in the Yvelines.
Dates and Opening Time
From March 2, 2024 to November 28, 2027
Location
Yili Garden
12 Rue d'Yte
78690 Saint Remy l'Honore
Prices
Moins de 5 ans: Free
Entrée: €7
Recommended age
For all
Official website
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