National Museum of Asian Arts Guimet, by Anne Leclerq

The Musée Guimet: the quickest route to Asia! From 1889, when it was established by Emile Guimet, to the present day, the museum has continued to add to and diversify its collections. Presenting 5,000 years of Asian art, time has not stopped at the Musée Guimet: you will be surprised at times to come across works by contemporary artists in the pared back, sobre and sleek design of the museum's exhibition spaces.

From the Buddhas of Afghanistan to the Zen monks of Japan, from Indian fabrics to Samurai armour, and from Khmer treasures to Chinese fine art, the Musée Guimet offers unique collections which provide the opportunity to go on a meditative, aesthetic and explorative journey to the heart of Asia. Magnificently renovated in contemporary style, it is the largest European museum devoted to Asian art.

The Japanese garden, a true haven of peace and tranquillity in the heart of Paris, is home to a tea pavilion which is perfect for meditation. It is located a stone's throw from the museum, in a mansion house where the superb Galeries du Panthéon Bouddhique are presented. Unique in the Western world and even the Far East, these collections reveal the scope of Buddhist piety.