Jardin du Levant

“A garden tableau,” you’ll find. You’ll never guess how this Japanese garden came to be right here in the heart of France. The Jardin du Levant, a haven of peace and tranquility, lies just a hop, skip, and jump from the bustling city of St Germain du Pinel. It was born from a passion for Japanese gardening and rare plants. The owner, Jerome Hay, wanted to create a space where he could grow his prized collection of bonsai trees, many of them centuries old. But Jerome had a bigger dream for this garden. He envisioned a place to share his passion for the art of bonsai. He’d been to Japan and traveled all over the world, soaking up every bit of knowledge he could about traditional Japanese gardens. One of the most important aspects in Japanese garden design, the owner tells us, is the use of water. The garden is filled with three serene ponds teeming with colorful fish. Waterfalls cascade down the slopes, their gentle murmur filling the air with an almost spiritual peace. The garden follows the chisen teien style, a walk-in garden, where the path is the key. Stepping stones lead you across gravel paths, each one a silent invitation to pause and contemplate the beauty around you. You’ll discover a unique fountain—a shisho doshi—made entirely from bamboo. The water itself moves a tube, which bashes a stone to create a gentle, rhythmic sound. They say this sound was used in Asia to keep predators away, a clever invention for a garden that was once filled with wild, untamed plants. In the heart of the garden, standing tall like a sentinel, is a lantern called a Goju-no-to. It’s modeled after traditional Japanese pagodas and believed to channel positive energy. What’s most fascinating about this garden is its evolution. It’s not just a static collection of plants and stones, but a living entity. It’s a place of constant change and growth. And from the very beginning, it was designed to offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. So go on, step into this world of serenity and discovery, and let yourself be transported to the beauty of Japan, without ever leaving France.