A haven of nature and philosophy in Ermenonville
Located in the Oise department, the Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park in Ermenonville is an iconic site that combines nature, history, and philosophy. Listed as a "Historic Monument" and a "Sensitive Natural Area," this English-style park offers a unique experience to its visitors, just one hour from Paris.
The origins of the park
The history of the Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park is closely linked to René-Louis de Girardin, who transformed the estateErmenonville in the XVIIIe century. In 1762, he acquired the property through his grandfather's inheritance and began redesigning it after discovering English gardens during his travels in Europe. Inspired by William Shenstone's Leasowes Park and the ideas of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Girardin created a picturesque garden, integrating nature and art to evoke poetic and romantic emotions.
The park, designed to offer picturesque vistas and architectural features, became a place for strolling where visitors could appreciate natural beauty and cultural references. In 1778, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, invited by Girardin, spent the last weeks of his life there and was buried on the Île des Peupliers. Although his ashes were transferred to the Panthéon in 1794, the park has remained a place of literary memory and a testament to the Age of Enlightenment.
The stay of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Jean-Jacques Rousseau arrived in Ermenonville in May 1778. His companion, Thérèse Levasseur, joined him shortly after. Rousseau, weakened by illness, found a soothing refuge in the park's natural surroundings. He spent the last weeks of his life botanizing and giving singing and botany lessons to the children of the Girardin family. On July 2, 1778, Rousseau succumbed to a stroke and was buried two days later on Île des Peupliers, in the heart of the park.
The transfer of his ashes to the Pantheon in 1794 left a cenotaph on the island, transforming the park into a place of intellectual pilgrimage.
A must-see to explore
Today, Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park remains a living testimony to the Age of Enlightenment.
The differentiated management implemented by the Oise Department, which has owned the park since 1985, aims to preserve local biodiversity. The park is home to diverse environments such as woodlands, meadows, reed beds, rivers, and ponds, as well as rare flora, including the bee orchid and the pyramidal orchid.
This place is ideal for nature lovers, history buffs and walkers in search of serenity and contemplation.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park is an invitation to a sensory and intellectual stroll, where each turn reveals a new perspective and promises an unforgettable escape in the heart of the Pays de Valois.
How to get there ?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park is open from 1er April to October 31, Wednesday to Sunday (including public holidays), from 11:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. Opening hours in July and August are extended from 10:00 a.m. to 20:00 p.m.
Guided tour of the Park
The Pays de Valois Tourist Office offers guided tours upon request.
Discover the Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park on an immersive guided tour through its 60 hectares of nature and history. From the Age of Enlightenment to today, be amazed by its romantic landscapes and factories, including the Temple of Philosophy, a symbol of wisdom and reflection. Between architecture, nature, and contemplation, this stroll will offer you a timeless interlude, ideal for recharging your batteries.
