Domaine de Méréville

Domaine de Méréville is a remarkable landscaped garden, emblematic of the Anglo-Chinese gardens of the late 18th century. It was shaped by François-Joseph Bélanger and later Hubert Robert for financier Jean-Joseph de Laborde, a wealthy patron and lover of gardens.

It falls in the category of “picturesque gardens” which broke the tradition of the ideal, formal garden in vogue at that time. Made up of a sequence of features and scenes that unfold as you wander around and follow the water, the landscaped garden is a tribute to an idealised, enhanced form of nature. Listed as a “jardin remarquable”, admission is free for the public. This is the ideal place for some relaxing time out surrounded by nature. There is a charge for guided visits if you would like to find out more about this wonderfully verdant spot.

Othoniel in Méréville

The Pont aux Boules d'Or has been invented by the celebrated contemporary artist Jean-Michel Othoniel and inaugurated on 3 June 2023 to the delight of visitors, who will now be able to use this royal-looking footbridge.
Following on from his installations in the gardens of Versailles and the Petit Palais, the artist has created almost 3,000 glass beads that reflect the surrounding landscape of the great park at Méréville.