Jardin Ile de Versailles (Versailles Island Garden), Nantes (must see)

Tucked along the Erdre River, the Versailles Island Garden is a serene and immersive Japanese-inspired landscape. This 1.7-hectare artificial island, originally created in 1831 using dredging material from the construction of the Nantes-Brest Canal, was once occupied by tanners and shipwrights. In 1986, a remarkable transformation took place: the island was reimagined as a Japanese garden through a project led by a team of architects and the landscape designer Louis Soulard. Today, it stands as one of the city’s most visited green spaces, welcoming 1.2 million visitors annually.

The garden's design showcases hallmark elements of Japanese landscaping. Rockeries and cascading waterfalls shape the terrain, with carefully placed stones symbolizing the sky, humanity, and the earth. Cloud-pruned pines, cherry trees, maples, and bamboos frame winding paths, while seasonal flowers like azaleas and daylilies bring bursts of color. Lanterns and Zen features add layers of symbolism, inviting quiet reflection. Three buildings inspired by traditional Japanese architecture anchor the site, including the harbor master’s office, a now-closed restaurant, and the “Erdre House” which hosts exhibitions on local aquatic ecosystems.

Despite being the smallest of Nantes’ major parks, the Île de Versailles is rich in atmosphere and history. Its unique character as a Japanese garden makes it a peaceful escape in the city’s center. As the seasons change, so does the garden, offering an ever-renewing experience that blends cultural homage with ecological education.