Monuments to visit Seine-Et-Marne

In Gâtinais, perched on a rocky promontory, the ancient medieval town, cradle of the Plantagenêts, preserved its ramparts, a castle of some vestiges. As for Saint-Severin Abbey which was part of the fortifications of the city, it remains an example of defensive religious architecture.

The city walls supporting the round roads are two metres thick. In the strong city, the narrow streets remind the memory of the men in arms.

Built at the end of the th century by Count Robert I of Dreux, fifth brother of King Louis VII, true fortress with integrated dungeon, characteristic of medieval architecture of the th century, he is the only one in Ile-de-France to present a square plan flanked by six round towers and two square towers surrounded by moat. He is the object of excavations, regularly delivers his treasures and nourishes an evolutionary exhibition over the discoveries.

This Buddhist centre is one of the largest in Europe with its 8,000 m². It was financed 80% by the Taiwanese monastic order Fo Guang Shan and 20% by the faithful. It is part of a vast ecumenical laboratory project, a large esplanade dedicated to religions in the heart of the Sycamore eco-neighbourhood. This giant temple displays a resolutely Zen, refined and mineral architecture. No golden ostentation or gigantic shimmering pagodas. Wood, stone, glass and raw concrete make the whole modern and sober. It contrasts this with, for example, the typical pagoda visible in the Vincennes woods. In any case, it houses spaces dedicated to meditation, prayer, many rooms for venerable guests during spiritual retreats, etc. Exhibitions are also visible. Don't miss the 5 m high White Jade Buddha in the main area. It should be noted that photos are prohibited in its bosom and that to visit it it is preferable to show white paws and to have the widest smile. At the exit, take the opportunity to continue your journey along the path to discover the other temples recently built or under construction, giving the area a very atypical multi-religious aspect.

At the end of a vast rehabilitation and development project, the English park offers a superb space of nearly 20 ha of walking with a wide variety of species (giant redwood, Atlas blue cedar) and 300 m of French perspective. The artist Xavier Veilhan, the architects Bona and Lemercier and the scenographer Alexis Bertrand have realized an exceptional and exciting project. The development of clearings now makes it possible to host various events on the art of gardens, as well as the trophy room and the Turkish baths, which become exhibition rooms. The castle museum is the highlight of this work! With its facades covered with ice and metalized panels, it enhances the park and fascinates visitors, especially on sunny days when it contrasts remarkably with the green spaces, bodies of water and the blue sky around it. Inside, the exhibitions on offer are often very original. An access to its panoramic roof allows you to have a nice view of part of the park.