France has many magnificent, historically significant gardens built for the French royal family. The Palace of Versailles and its immaculate grounds are on your list of must-sees near Paris. Then there are the Jardins du Château de Fontainebleau, south of the capital, and the stunning Château de Chenonceau gardens in the Loire Valley. Of course, a trip to the Jardin de Claude Monet in Giverny is a must for a lifetime. Surprisingly, perhaps to some, are the amazing Mediterranean gardens in the South of France. We hope that you visit some of these.
This Provencal estate was built on the Valensole plateau by Jean Baptiste de Villeneuve, Lord of Esclapon, in the early 18th century. It has remained a privately owned estate over the years. Although the gardens evolved over the centuries, the current owner, the Comte Andre de Villeneuve Esclapon, further developed and modernized them.
The gardens comprise several terraces arranged around various water features. There is a small orange grove as well as fruit and olive trees. Century-old chestnut trees line the property, and you’ll also come across a 300-year-old oak tree. As is typical of many manor gardens, dozens of varieties of flowers and aromatic plants, which were historically used for medicinal and culinary purposes, grow in the garden.
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©Vaucluse Dreamer
The Jardins de l’abbaye de Valsaintes are one of the most beautiful gardens in Provence. Located a short distance from Simiane-la-Rotonde, the Cistercian abbey on the site was occupied by monks from the 12th century until the French Revolution.
Visiting this garden is a delight for the senses, especially in late May and early June when the roses bloom. The garden has 600 varieties of ancient and modern roses. There is also a “dry” garden, home to various species (and varieties) of plants adapted to cold weather and drought conditions. Trees, shrubs, and other flowering plants complete the landscaping, creating a tranquil retreat with lush greenery and captivating floral displays.
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©C Brau for Salgagon, musée et jardins
The Salagon Remarkable Gardens and Priory is home to over 1,700 plants organized into four distinct sections based on the principles of ethnobotany. In the Village Garden, you will find plants used in the average person’s garden and those that naturally grow in the fields of the Haute-Provence region. The Medieval Garden is home to plants used in historic times. It includes plants grown for food and a flower garden. There are also plants grown for medicinal purposes, including a “secret” garden where poisonous plants grow.
In the Modern Garden, you will learn about the evolution of people and plants as humans moved from a hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural one. Finally, the five sensory trails in the Fragrance Garden will enable you to explore a diverse range of aromatic plants throughout the year.
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Visitor Guide to the Alpes de Haute Provence
While this is not technically a garden, Andy Goldsworthy’s Refuge d’Art Hiking Trail, located in Dignes-les-Bains, is worth taking a detour for. This artistic collaboration between Goldsworthy and the Musée Gassendi results in several hikes along the route of L’art en chemin. It takes roughly 8-10 days to complete the 150 kilometres, and each hike promises fabulous landscapes and contemporary art. The hiking is suitable for individuals of mid-level ability. The trails are signposted and easy for anyone interested in self-guided experiences.
Image credit: Refuge d’Art website
Jardin botanique de la Villa Thuret 002 ©INRA
The Thuret Botanical Gardens in Cap d’Antibes have been a site for historical botanical research since 1857. It was created by Gustave Thuret, a French botanist, to conduct acclimatization trials on various exotic plants. Many of Provence’s exotic plants and flowers were first introduced to the region due to research conducted in this garden. Additionally, it sparked a rise in horticulture enthusiasts in the area, and this interest remains today, as evident in the many beautiful gardens throughout the Côte d’Azur.
The French government classified this site as a “Jardin remarquable” in 2007. In 2015, the A.R.B.R.E.S. association awarded some of the “Arbres remarquable” (remarkable trees). The Thuret Garden features over 1,000 species of trees and bushes, representing more than 150 botanical families from 380 regions worldwide. The plants were adapted to the Mediterranean climate by international biodiversity conservation regulations.
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The Jardin Exotique d’Eze is perched 429 metres high above the Mediterranean Sea on the site of an old medieval fortress. It has been considered a strategic location throughout history, as it offers a panoramic view of the French Riviera and is protected from the harsh north winds.
Shortly after World War II, André Gianton, the mayor of Èze, initiated the creation of this beautiful garden in Provence. It is home to several global species of succulents and xerophytes. The garden also features information about Eze’s historical and artistic heritage, so you’ll leave with a genuine feel for the Exotic Garden’s past.
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©Jardin de la Villa Fort France
Located east of Grasse, the Jardin de Fort France was established in the 1930s by Lady Fortescue, the British author of “Perfume from Provence.” Today, this beautiful garden in Provence is owned by artist Valerie Courcel. She uses her artistic talents to integrate plants into the garden, focusing on harmonizing colours and shapes, which inspires her paintings.
When visiting this terraced garden, you start at the bottom and work your way to the top. On each terrace, you’ll see various flowers and plants, from roses and mimosas to boxwoods and cypresses. Of course, the fragrance is unique – not surprising, as the town of Grasse is renowned as France’s perfume capital.
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Photo: C. MOIRENC ©Côte d’Azur Tourisme
The Botanical Garden in Nice is a unique garden that offers a way to discover scientific, educational, ecological, and cultural aspects of the area and its lush plant life. It’s arranged as an open-air museum to showcase a diverse selection of plants from around the globe, allowing visitors to familiarize themselves with a wide range of flora. The garden’s mission is to conserve biodiversity and transmit natural heritage.
Established in 1983, the Botanical Garden spans over 3.5 hectares and is home to more than 3,000 plant species. The garden also provides a breathtaking view of the mouth of the Var and the Baie des Anges.
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The garden is closed in October but is open at varying times throughout the year.
From November to March, you can visit from 9 am to 5 pm
From April to September, it is open from 9 am to 7 pm
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Entrance is free, and there is ample free parking.
Phoenix Park is the ideal destination for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts, and botanists. You’ll find more than 1000 species of plants, including succulents, tropical plants, aromatics, and so much more. Be sure to explore the bamboo grove, the greenhouse, and the vegetable garden! Phoenix Park is also home to more than 70 animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Visitors to the park enjoy a natural balance of flora and fauna that coexist in complete harmony.
Parc Phoenix ©Metropole Nice Côte d’Azur
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The park is open to visitors year-round, with winter hours in effect.
Jardin du Monastere de Cimiez (IXe) ©Camille MOIRENC
In the northeast section of Nice, drive up the hill on Boulevard de Cimiez, and you’ll find a fantastic city park, the Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez, and one of the most beautiful gardens in Provence, the Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez.
The Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez is a haven for local citizens. Families often have picnics or play pétanque on a sunny afternoon. While not a typical flower garden, this pesticide-free park is worth visiting. Stroll through the ruins of a historic Roman theatre or relax in the shade of a hundred-year-old olive tree.
Jardin du Monastere de Cimiez (IXe siecle) ©Camille MOIRENC
Opposite the Jardin des Arènas de Cimiez on the other side of Avenue Bellanda, you’ll find the Cimiez Monastery, home of the Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez. It is the oldest garden in the Côte d’Azur. Initially, the monks used the garden to grow their vegetables. These monks invented the mesclun salad! The garden’s layout has remained essentially unchanged since 1546, yet it offers a panoramic view of the city of Nice. In the spring and summer, visitors can enjoy the fabulous scent of the rose bushes and the shade provided by the exotic trees.
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Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez
Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez
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Photo: C. MOIRENC ©Côte d’Azur Tourisme
The Garden of the Château de La Napoule is an unmistakable garden nestled inside a medieval fortress once owned by the eccentric American art lover Henry Clews and his wife, Marie. When they discovered the fortress’s ruins in 1918, they dedicated their lives to restoring its glory. Marie became an architect and landscaper, integrating towers, turreted gatehouses, ramparts, and sea-view terraces. Many of her additions remain today.
Henry, the art lover, adorned columns and crevices with mythical creatures, making the gardens and fortress a truly one-of-a-kind experience. You’ll find topiary embellishments, sweet lemon and orange trees, and lush greenery at every glance.
When you visit, both adults and children alike will be entertained. Be sure to check out Henry’s art collection at the museum, engage in a treasure hunt, take a stroll through the gardens, and stop by the café for a coffee or glass of wine.
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Boulevard Henry Clews 06210 Mandelieu-La Napoule.
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The Château operates as an art foundation with artist residencies throughout the year. So, the Castle interior is only accessible via a guided tour.
April 1 to September 29: Open daily from 10h00 to 18h00
From October to March, visits are on Fridays at 15h00 by reservation.
The town of Menton is renowned for its lemons and annual Lemon Festival. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the lush private garden La Citronneraie du Mas Flofaro produces some of the world’s tastiest lemons. French chefs select Menton lemons (citrons de Menton) for their sweet pulp, which is often used in pastries and desserts.
The gardens began in the 1500s with the plantation of olive trees. In the 1800s, a traditional “Mentonnaise style” house was built on the property but was later abandoned. In the 1950s, the house was restored, and the current lemon grove was established to ensure the sustainability of the Menton lemon.
You’ll find lemons and other citrus fruits, olives, cacti, and other tropical plants when you visit the gardens today. The exotic gardens welcome visitors with a pathway that leads through terraces and fountains, ending at a small pool with ample seating for relaxation.
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The Botanical Garden of Val Rahmeh in Menton is a stunning garden featuring exotic plants from around the world. The dense foliage creates a charming haven of tranquillity where you can take a gentle stroll to admire everything it has to offer. You’ll get to identify and enjoy a wide variety of flora, including agave plants, cacti, bamboo shoots, and tree ferns. There’s even a pool adorned with water lilies and lotus plants to enjoy at the far end of the garden.
©Côte d’Azur Tourisme
The garden was named after its first owner, Sir Percy Radcliffe’s wife, Rahmeh. It was then passed on to several successive owners, including Miss Maybud Campbell, an eccentric Englishwoman who increased the park’s size while maintaining its original beauty. The Muséum national d’Histoire Naturelle then purchased it, turning it into a botanical garden and research centre.
©Côte d’Azur Tourisme
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The garden is open every day except Tuesdays at varying times throughout the year.
November 1 to March 31 from 9:30 am – 5 pm
April 1 to October 31 from 9:30 am – 6 pm
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Children under seven are free. For more information, please visit their website.
©Côte d’Azur Tourisme
Major Lawrence Johnston, a British and American citizen, built the Serre de la Madone (Madonna’s greenhouse). Because he was born in France to American parents, he felt French in his heart. He was also a nature lover, so he bought the property in Menton and built a small Menton-style house and farm, separating the agricultural area from the forested area. The estate is designated as a historical monument, and the gardens carry the “Jardin remarquable” label.
Within the garden, you’ll find the plants collected by Major Johnston during his world travels. Olive, fig, peach trees, vines, arbours, and modernized cisterns are also throughout the property. Tropical and subtropical plants abound, as do many inviting pathways lined with cypress trees and perfumed with sweet floral scents. Interestingly, 2024 is the centenary of Serre de la Madone, so there are several exhibitions and celebrations to acknowledge this significant cultural site in Menton.
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©Steve Wilkison
The estates in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, some of the most expensive in the world, are home to beautiful gardens in Provence. However, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild garden is listed as a “Jardin remarquable.”
The estate was Béatrice de Rothschild’s dream. In 1905, after her divorce and her father’s death, she invested her inheritance in building the mansion and its gardens. Due to the natural state of the terrain, it took seven years to complete the gardens. She bequeathed the estate to the Académie des Beaux-Arts before she died in 1934.
Later that year, themed gardens were created, including a Spanish, Florentine, Japanese, and Exotic Garden. The French formal garden and the fountains on the estate were also renovated. There are nine distinct gardens at the site, each one beautiful, whether you’re admiring the arches, fountains, and gargoyles in the Stone Garden or taking in the intoxicating scents wafting from the Rose Garden.
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Arboretum Marcel Kroënlein is a serene collection of trees and nature in Roure in the Alpes-Maritimes. It exists to support the preservation of the mountain ecosystem in which it resides and provides a place for its scientific committee to explore. Depending on the season, the Arboretum offers a variety of fun, educational, and cultural activities.
©JC Fraicher – Soleil Olivier Roche
Opened by Madame Michèle Ramin and Marcel Kroënlein, the Arboretum has continually flourished to the present day. It has four (4) missions:
©l’Arboretum Marcel Kroënlein
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You can visit the Arboretum from June to September.
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There are guided tours daily.
Admission for members and children is free.
You can almost hear the clip-clop of the horses’ hooves maneuvering their master’s carriages on the cobblestones. Glance through the majestic iron gates into the cour d’honneur at l’Hôtel de Caumont and let the elegant limestone façade transport you to another era. The grand entrance was unique in that era, even in the chic Quartier Mazarin in Aix-en-Provence. Visit the Hôtel de Caumont for the art exhibition, but be sure not to miss the beautifully manicured garden located in the heart of urban Aix-en-Provence.
Construction of the regal dwelling began on April 4, 1715, on property previously owned by l’Eglise de St Jean de Malte. François Rolland de Réauville commissioned a residence appropriate to his ranking as the second president of la Cour des Comptes d’Aix-en-Provence. The address became known as Hôtel de Caumont.
Hôtel de Caumont built in a Baroque style had no equivalent in Aix-en-Provence. The largest private property was the only residence with a gala entranceway (mentioned above) and a Versailles-style private garden. Hôtel de Caumont pays homage to the legacy of M. Réauville, with his cursive initials “R.R.” found throughout the property and his family’s coat of arms on the façade.
On May 6, 2015, the Hôtel de Caumont became a public art centre and part of the Culturespaces portfolio. The inaugural exhibit was “Canaletto: Rome, London, Venice, the Triumph of Light,” a first-time assembly of the artist’s work into a comprehensive show. The doors to the Caumont Centre d’Art opened after an outlay of 26.6 million Euros (10 million for land acquisition and 12.6 million for construction) and an 18-month restoration project. Under the direction of Mireille Pellen (Architecte du Patrimoine), the historical details in the refurbished rooms are impressive.
Les Jardins d’Albertas is a beautiful garden in Provence owned by the Albertas family. It is located just a few minutes outside Aix-en-Provence in Bouc-Bel-Air, a town built on a small hill (bouc).
Since their creation around 1640, the gardens have remained almost identical over the centuries. What began as a vegetable garden with small ornamental buildings later developed into a highly structured estate with four terraces, statues, ponds, and fountains. The garden features Provençal flowers and plants, but it has an Italian Renaissance style, making the estate unique in the area. Interestingly, due to the clever engineering of the period, the “plumbing” from the natural springs that supply water to the decorative ponds and fountains is hidden so as not to disturb the beautiful scenery.
The garden can be covered in an hour. However, gardening enthusiasts might wish to visit near the end of May, when almost 200 horticulturalists and artisans come to the site to celebrate the “Journée de plantes” (Day of the Plants).
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Aix: Ideas for a Day in the City
Parc Borély is one of the most visited green spaces in Marseille. It was initially purchased by Louis Boély, a shipping magnate who built a large chateau on the property. His son inherited the estate in 1770 and created the gardens. In the 19th century, the city of Marseille acquired and developed a large public park. Today, the park spans nearly 18 hectares of land, comprising 1.2 hectares dedicated to the botanical garden.
The park has three main sections: a typical French garden, an English-style garden, and a botanical garden. The tree-lined paths in the park are popular with joggers, and families often stroll through the gardens, enjoying an afternoon learning about rare species of plants in the botanical gardens. There are play areas for children, and, as a public park, pets (always on a leash) are welcome.
The Édouard-Marie Heckel botanical garden, located within Parc Borély, is home to approximately 3,000 plant species. The plants are divided into themes, including edible and medicinal plants, as well as those from Japan, China, South Africa, and other regions. It’s worth spending an hour or two learning more about many of the rare plants in this garden.
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Visitor Guide to the Bouches du Rhône
On a tranquil sunny day, Mediterranean waters caress the fortress walls as pleasure craft move in and out of the vieux port, and sunbathers soak up the Provencal rays on lounge chairs scattered around Fort Saint-Jean’s walls. Visitors can stroll through the Garden of Migration, a 15,000m open-air “museum” featuring regional plants and trees. The olives, lavender, grapes, herbs and grasses tell an earthy tale of how Provence and Marseille were shaped over centuries by the cornerstone of agriculture.
Although connected by a steel and concrete walkway, MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean could not be more different architecturally. In 1660, King Louis XIV ordered the construction of Fort Saint-Nicholas and the reinforcement of existing structures at Fort Saint-Jean. The King’s justification for these monumental building projects was to improve the defence capabilities of the old port. Fort Saint-Jean’s fortified stone exterior starkly contrasts with its neighbour, the contemporary black-lace concrete block known as MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations).
Fort Saint-Jean now has two permanent pedestrian bridges to welcome visitors. These steel girders join Fort Saint-Jean to le Panier (Marseille’s historical working-class area) and MuCEM, the visually arresting concrete-black-lace cube, a structure. In collaboration with Roland Carta, this stunning architectural creation by Rudy Ricciotti has risen from the rubble of what was previously known as J4, an old ferry dock. MuCEM is a sparkling five-story glass cube implausibly enveloped by concrete latticework. The purpose-built concrete panels provide defused lighting and a windbreak while adding immense architectural interest to the structure.
Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée (MuCEM)
7 promenade Robert Laffont (esplanade du J4),
13002 Marseille
Hours: Opens at 11h and closes between 18h-20h (depending on the season).
Closed on Tuesdays.
The two structures are connected via a massive steel girder; no entry ticket is required to walk through or enjoy the views. However, you do need a ticket to see the exhibits.
The Domaine de Charance, located on the outskirts of Gap, is more than just a beautiful garden in Provence; it is also a mountain park with fantastic hiking trails suitable for the entire family. It’s the perfect place for a picnic and a day of fun and adventure for everyone. A morning hike to the mountain’s peak will reward you with stunning panoramic views. The younger ones will enjoy trying to find the carved wooden animals in the surrounding forest.
An old Roman fortress has existed on the site since the Middle Ages. Then, in 1309, the bishop of Gap bought the property. The castle became known as the “Château des évêques” until after the French Revolution, when it was seized and subsequently auctioned. Several wealthy families owned it over the years, and in the 19th century, terraced gardens were created. The commune of Gap purchased it in 1973 and opened the domain to the public.
In 1988, the terraced garden in front of the castle was listed as a Historic Monument. It has since been completely renovated and is now classified as a Remarkable Garden. Wild and cultivated plants are found on all four terraces, reflecting the rich biodiversity of the Hautes-Alpes. The gardens also include a unique collection of 600 varieties of ancient roses.
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Jardin du Lautaret ©Muriel Quris
The Jardin du Lautaret is also a research station for the University of Grenoble Alpes, located between Grenoble and Briançon. This beautiful garden in Provence was created in 1899 by Professor Lachmann, a botany professor at the University of Grenoble. The garden is in the Lautaret Pass, at an altitude of 2100 meters. It is a natural crossroads of the northern, southern, internal (continental), and external (Mediterranean) Alps. The garden maintains and preserves over 2,000 species of flowers from cold and alpine climates worldwide. Besides scientific research, the garden aims to increase public awareness, conserve endangered plants and protect the environment.
©Jardin du Lautaret
Whether you want to stroll through the gardens to enjoy the flowers, view the panoramic mountain vistas, or breathe the fresh mountain air, the Jardin du Laurtaret has something for everyone. Their summer schedule features guided visits, scientific and artistic workshops, stargazing evenings, and additional activities.
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Caumont-sur-Durance is almost equidistant from the larger centres of Avignon and Cavaillon. This village, which is generally off most tourist itineraries, has a recreation of a Roman-era garden on the site of a 1st-century BC Roman villa. The award-winning Roman Garden is worth visiting. Several excavations on the property have revealed the foundations of a large-scale villa, estimated to be approximately 2,500 m². In addition, a sizable pond (likely used as a pool) is located in the centre of the garden, which is 65 m (213 ft) long. While the Roman Garden has eight sections, it can be easily visited in an hour.
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Open daily:
November 1 – February 28, 8h to 17h
March 1 – October 31, 8h to 19h
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Entry is free.
Dogs are not permitted on the property.
To visit one of the most beautiful gardens in Provence, take a 20-minute ride from Avignon to Sorgues and visit the Domaine de Brantes. This private estate was built in 1619 by the del Bianco family, who originated in Florence. The manor house is surrounded by a wooded park, planted in 1815 by General de Cessac, Minister of Napoleon I and his wife, who was a descendant of the original del Bianco family. The estate was restored in the mid-1950s by del Bianco’s descendants, and they commissioned the gardens to be built in 1960.
The gardens feature three basins and are surrounded by cypresses, boxwood trees, and various flowering plants, including the rare dark blue dwarf plumbago, giant peonies, and hydrangeas. There is also a rose garden and an educational vegetable garden. The 200-year-old magnolia grandiflora—one of the largest and oldest in Europe—is a must-see (and smell!). The Lagerstroemia (crepe myrtle) trees are almost 300 years old.
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The garden at Château Val Joanis is located in the heart of a vineyard. The “project” to create an 18th-century garden was the vision of the owner, Cécile Chancel. The Chancel family began re-establishing the vineyard and garden in 1978. The Château still has Jean de Joanis’ coat of arms today.
In 2005, the vineyard’s garden received the “Jardin remarquable” label; in 2008, it was voted French Garden of the Year. The garden is comprised of three terraces situated to provide some protection from the Mistral winds. Each terrace is home to a specific theme of plants. For example, the herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees grow in the kitchen garden and are surrounded by lavender and box hedges. The second area comprises roses and fruit trees trained to grow on unique frames and latticework. Ornamental trees grow in the third area.
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Between 1309 and 1403, Popes who held the seat of the Catholic Church in Avignon built a palace and gardens. However, after the pope left in 1403, the palace changed ownership many times, leaving the gardens unattended. They became overgrown and transformed due to the lack of care from their owners. Fortunately, in the 19th century, the city of Avignon became the site’s owner and worked to restore it. The garden restoration project was planned for more than a century, but was only recently implemented. Since the garden opened in 2018, it has received several accolades, including Geste d’Or (2018), Victoires du Paysage (2022), and Jardin remarquable (2023).
Although the gardens are part of the palace monument’s tour route, they can also be visited independently. The garden has two main zones: the Palace Garden and the Pope’s Garden. The Palace Garden was designed around the irrigation system and incorporates Mediterranean plant species inspired by the original 14th-century garden. The Pope’s Garden, directly accessible from the Pope’s apartments, has a griffin fountain and a wildflower meadow.
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The small town of Lauris has been inhabited since prehistoric times. This is likely because it has a considerable water supply and is sheltered from the Mistral winds, both of which contribute to the presence of fertile gardens. In fact, since the 16th century, the town has been well-known for producing natural colours from plants. As a result, the Jardin neuf du château in Lauris is unique in Europe. Named a “Jardin remarquable” in 2011, it conserves plants traditionally used for food and cosmetic dyes. The garden comprises several thematic areas containing colourful plants from around the world.
The site was privately owned, but in 1998, the town of Lauris bought the castle and gardens. Today, the garden is managed by Les Amis du Jardin (Friends of the Garden), which offers tours and activities for all ages.
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In a quiet rural area near Mont Ventoux, you’ll find the Roseraie de Gérenton. It was created by Sylvie and John Brun, who purchased this agricultural plot of land in early 2015. After three years of hard work preparing the land, they planted their first rose bushes in 2019. Today, they have a collection of over 300 varieties of roses along with other plants typically found in the Mediterranean region, such as lavender, rosemary, cistus, and pistachio trees.
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The Jardin de la Commanderie de Peyrassol is a different type of garden. It is also a successful vineyard and a contemporary sculpture park. The buildings on the site were initially constructed by the Knights Templar (13th century) to house travellers on their journeys to and from the holy land. The gardens surround the buildings and include flower beds lined with sculpted shrubbery, an Italian garden, vegetable gardens, groves of citrus and oak trees, and acres of vineyards. Although the gardens are open daily throughout the year, the warmer months are the best time to visit the gardens and grounds.
Photo Credit: Commanderie de Peyrassol
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Located in the heart of Toulon, the Jardin du Las is an oasis within the city. This lush green public park is a beloved destination for locals and tourists. The garden’s meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and winding pathways invite visitors to relax and appreciate nature’s beauty. Tall trees provide ample shade on sunny days, perfect for strolls or family picnics.
Initially established in the 19th century, the Jardin du Luxembourg has undergone several transformations. In addition to its natural beauty, the garden features statues, fountains, and pavilions. Throughout the year, the garden hosts a variety of cultural events and seasonal festivals. The garden is also a living exhibition for the Departmental Museum of Var (Muséum départemental du Var), which offers guided tours and workshops about nature and the natural world.
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One of the most beautiful gardens in Provence, the Jardin de Baudouvin, is in the heart of La Valette-du-Var. The estate was established in the mid-1400s, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that the owner, Henri de Rothschild, built the modern gardens. Today, the city owns the estate. The locals consider the park a little corner of paradise, an ideal place to stroll and enjoy family picnics. Like many gardens in Provence, it has winding pathways lined with century-old trees. Visitors enjoy a kaleidoscope of colours and scents courtesy of the vibrant Mediterranean flowers and some non-native varieties.
The estate also has squares of vegetable gardens, fig and olive trees, citrus orchards, and an experimental garden. Interestingly, the garden was designed to utilize energy-saving technologies, employing solar electricity and an irrigation system that minimizes water usage.
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Explore some of the beautiful gardens in Provence and the Côte d’Azur. Each garden showcases the region’s natural beauty in a unique way.
