Visitor Guide: Gardens of Provence

Beautiful Gardens of Provence

France has many magnificent, historically significant gardens built for French royalty. 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 Jardin de Claude Monet in Giverny is a lifetime must. However, Provence also has many fabulous garden départments, from the Haute Alpes to the Alpes Maritimes and the Côte d’Azur. Many gardens are open to the public, while others are privately owned and are only open for limited times or by invitation.

Below is our visitor guide to the gardens of Provence by départment within the region.

Visitor Notes for French Gardens:

1. Due to generally hot summers in the South of France, there are fewer flowers, so the best time to visit these gardens is in the spring or early fall. However, many gardens have water features, fountains, statues, and shade, so regardless of the time of the year, these jardins are all worth visiting.
2. Check the garden’s website or social media profile for the latest information on opening times and associated costs.
3. Generally, admission is free for children under a certain age.
4. While the French love dogs, our 4-legged friends are not always welcome in public gardens. Please check the rules in advance.
5. The label Jardin remarquable (Remarkable Garden) started in 2004 to celebrate and document France’s magnificent gardens. A Jardin Remarquable must meet the established criteria. The requirements include integration in the site, a blend of vegetation, quality of the location, engaging use of plants, and, where applicable, providing historical interest. Over 70 gardens in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur made the grade for Jardin Remarquable. However, the region has hundreds of other beautiful gardens and parks. Check the Comité des Parcs et Jardins de France website for additional information on the jardins remarquable. In Provence and beyond.

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Alpes-de-Haute Provence Gardens

Clos de Villeneuve (Valensole)

This Provencal estate was built on the Valensole plateau by Jean Baptiste de Villeneuve, Lord of Esclapon, in the early 18^th 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 are comprised of several terraces arranged around different 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 with many manor gardens, dozens of varieties of flowers and aromatic plants that were historically used for medical and culinary purposes grow in the garden.

Contact Information:

• Chemin de l’Amiral de Villeneuve, 04210 Valensole
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 92 74 80 05
• Website

Hours:

• April 1 to September 30 by appointment only.

Note:

• As this is a private home, visits are by appointment only. Pricing and other details will be provided on request or booking.

Jardins de l’abbaye de Valsaintes (Simiane-la-Rotonde)

The Jardins de l’abbaye de Valsaintes is 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 12^th 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 and create a tranquil retreat with lush greenery and captivating floral displays.

Contact Information:

• Lieu dit Boulinette, 04150 Simiane La Rotonde
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 92 75 94 19
• Website

Hours:

• February, March, November (until mid-month): Wednesdays and weekends: 13:00-17:00
• April, October: Wednesday-Sunday: 13:00-18:00
• May-September: Tuesday-Sunday: 11:30-19:00

Notes:

• Free entry for children under 12 years old.
• The garden is accessible for those with reduced mobility.
• Parking, restrooms️, restaurant, boutique, picnic area
• Pets are permitted but must always be kept on leads.

Salagon Remarkable Gardens and Priory (Mane)

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 allow you to explore a wide range of aromatic plants all year around.

Contact Information:

• Salagon, musée et jardins, Le prieuré, 04300 Mane
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 92 75 70 50
• Website

Hours:

• February through April: 10:00 – 18:00
• May through September: 10:00 – 19:00
• October until mid-December: 10:00 – 18:00

Notes:

• Free entry is available for children under six years old.
• Discounts for students and disabled.
• Family tickets (2 adults and two children) are available.
• Pets are permitted but must always be kept on leads.

Visitor Guide to the Alpes de Haute Provence

While this is not technically a garden, Andy Goldsworthy’s Refuge d’Art Hiking Trail near Dignes-les-Bains is worth a detour. This artistic collaboration between Goldsworthy and the Musée Gassendi results in several hikes along 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.

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Alpes Martitimes (French Riviera – Côte d’Azur)

Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret (Cap d’Antibes)

The Thuret Botanical Gardens in Cap d’Antibes has been a site for historical botanic 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 because of research done in this garden. Additionally, it sparked a rise in horticulture enthusiasts in the area, and the interest remains today, as one can see 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 includes over one thousand species of trees and bushes and over 150 botanic families from 380 regions around the world. The plants were adapted to the Mediterranean climate following international conservation of biodiversity regulations.

Contact Information:

• 90 chemin Raymond, 06160 Antibes Juan-les-Pins
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 92 38 64 70
• Website

Hours:

• April – October: 08:00 – 18:00
• November – March: 08:30 – 17:30
• The garden is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Notes:

• Entry is free, but there is a charge for groups of more than ten people.
• Certain areas of the garden are restricted to scientific research personnel only.
• Well-behaved, clean dogs on short leads are permitted. Owners must clean up after their pets.
• There is no picnicking or smoking in the garden.
• Photography is restricted.

Jardin Exotique d’Eze (Eze)

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 because it offers a panoramic view of the French Riviera and is protected from harsh north winds.

Shortly after WWII, André Gianton, the mayor of Eze, 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.

Contact Information:

• Rue du Château, 06360 Eze
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 93 41 10 30
• Website

Hours:

• November – March: 09:00 – 16:30
• April – June and October: 09:00 – 18:30
• July – September: 09:00 – 19:30

Notes:

• Children under 12 are free.
• Reduced fees for students and groups with over 12 people and a guide.
• This garden is not wheelchair accessible and is challenging for individuals with reduced mobility.
• Dogs are permitted but must always remain on a leash.

Jardin de la villa Fort France (Grasse)

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 and focuses on harmonizing the 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 known as France’s perfume capital.

Contact Information:

• 237 Avenue Antoine de Saint Exupery, 06130 Grasse
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 93 36 66 66
• Website

Hours:

• Group visits by appointment only (minimum ten people, €10 per person)
• Private visits by appointment are available for groups of less than ten people (€120 flat-rate)
• April – June and October – November: Daily

Notes:

• This is a private garden, so all visits are by appointment only.
• Parking is available.
• The site is not designed for mobility-reduced individuals.

Gardens in Nice

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Nice is a one-of-a-kind garden that offers a way to discover scientific, educational, ecological, and cultural facts about the area and its lush plants. It’s arranged as an open-air museum to enjoy a selection of plants from around the globe, allowing visitors to familiarize themselves with flora. The garden’s mission is to conserve biodiversity and transmit natural heritage.

Created in 1983, The Botanical Garden offers more than 3.5 hectares to explore and is populated with over 3,000 plant species. The garden also provides a breathtaking view of the mouth of the Var and the Baie des Anges.

Contact Information:

• 78, Corniche Fleurie, 00006, Nice
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 92 29 41 80
• Website

Hours:

The garden is closed in October but is open at varying times throughout the year.
From November to March, you can visit from 9 h to 17 h
April to September, it is open from 9 h to 19h

Notes:

Entrance is free, and there is ample free parking.

Parc Phoenix

Phoenix Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers, gardeners, 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, living in complete harmony.

Contact information:

• 405, Promenade des Anglais, 00006, Nice
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 92 29 77 00
• Website

Hours:
The park is open for visitors year-round, with winter hours.

Jardins de Cimiez

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 hundred-year-old olive trees.

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 not changed significantly since 1546, but 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.

Contact Information:

Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez

• 110 Boulevard de Cimiez, 06000 Nice
• Website

Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez

• 1 Avenue Bellanda, 06000 Nice
• Website

Hours:

• Both gardens are open daily, all year round: 08:30 – 18:00

Notes:

• Entry is free for everyone.
• Accessible for wheelchairs and mobility-reduced individuals.
• Pets are welcome but must always be kept on leads.

Château de La Napoule (Mandelieu – La Napoule)

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 for a coffee or glass of wine at the café.

Contact Information:

Boulevard Henry Clews 06210 Mandelieu-La Napoule.

Hours:

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.

Gardens in Menton

Citronneraie du mas Flofaro

The town of Menton is well known for its lemons and lemon festival. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the lush private garden La Citronneraie du mas Flofaro produces some of the tastiest lemons in the world. French chefs choose Menton lemons (citrons de Menton) for their sweet pulp, 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 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 and ends at a small pool with ample seating to sit and relax.

Contact Information:

• 69 corniche Tardieu, 06500 Menton
• Telephone: +33 (0)6 80 26 52 24
• Website

Hours:

• The garden is open all year round.
• Visits by reservation only.

Notes:

• Visits are approximately one hour.
• Only the first part of the tour is accessible for mobility-reduced people.
• Free for children and students.

Garden of Val Rahmeh

The Botanical Garden of Val Rahmeh in Menton is a stunning garden full of exotic plants from countries worldwide. The dense foliage makes for a charming haven of tranquillity where you can take a gentle stroll to admire everything it offers. You’ll get to identify and enjoy all kinds of flora, from agave plants and cacti to 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.

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.

Contact Information:

• Avenue Saint-Jacques, 06500 Menton
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 93 35 86 72
• Website

Hours:

The garden is open every day except Tuesdays at varying times throughout the year.
November 1 to March 31 from 9 h 30 – 17 h
April 1 to October 31 from 9 h 30 – 18 h

Notes:

Children under seven are free. For more information, please visit their website.

Serre de la Madone

Major Lawrence Johnston, an American and British citizen, built Serre de la Madone (Madonna’s greenhouse). Because he was born in France to American parents, in his heart, he felt French. 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 galore are present, as are 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.

Contact Information:

• 74 Route de Gorbio, 06500 Menton
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 93 57 73 90
• Website

Hours:

• April 1 to October 31: 10:00-18:00. Closed on Mondays.
• December 1 to March 31: 10:00-17:00. Closed on Mondays.
• Closed in November and other significant holidays.

Notes:

• Free for children under six years old.
• Reduced fees for students and children over six years old.
• This site is not suitable for individuals with reduced mobility.
• Pets are not permitted.

Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)

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 granted 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 different gardens at the site, each one distinct and beautiful, whether you’re admiring the arches, fountains, and gargoyles in the Stone Garden or smelling the intoxicating scents wafting from the Rose Garden.

Contact Information:

• Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 93 01 33 09
• Website

Hours:

• July-August Daily: 10:00-19:00
• September-October, February-June Daily: 10:00-18:00
• November-January Weekdays: 10:00-16:00, Weekends: 10:00-18:00

Notes:

• Free for children under seven years old.
• Reduced entry for children, students, families, and disabled visitors.
• Pets are not permitted on the property.

Arboretum Marcel Kroënlein (Roure)

Arboretum Marcel Kroënlein is a serene collection of trees and nature in Roure in the Alpes-Maritimes. It exists to support preserving the mountain ecosystem it resides in and provides a place for its scientific committee to explore. Depending on the season, the Arboretum offers fun, educational, and cultural activities.

Opened by Madame Michèle Ramin and Marcel Kroenlein, the Arboretum has continually flourished to the present day. It has four (4) missions:

• They are raising awareness of the preservation of the environment and protecting the alpine heritage of the Alpes-Maritimes.
• Training in the garden profession. A better geographical knowledge of the Alpes-Maritimes.
• Teaching artistic expression.
• Solidarity action, integration through the transmission of knowledge, intended for people with social and professional difficulties.

Contact Information:

• 1295, Route Raymond Durbec, 06420 Roure
• Telephone: + 33 (0)4 93 35 00 50
• Website

Hours:

You can visit the Arboretum from June to September.

Notes:

There are guided tours daily.
Admission for members and children is free.

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Bouches du Rhône Gardens

Hôtel de Caumont Garden (Aix-en-Provence)

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 Hôtel de Caumont for the art exhibition, but do not miss the beautifully manicured garden in the middle 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 M. Réauville constructed, with his cursive initials “R.R.” found throughout the property and his family’s coat of arms on the facade.

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 (Achitecte du Patrimonie), the historical details in the refurbished rooms are impressive.

Les Jardins d’Albertas (Bouc-Bel-Air, near Aix)

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 garden has 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 contains Provençal flowers and plants but 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).

Contact Information:

• Avenue de La Croix d’Or (D8n), 13320, Bouc-Bel-Air
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 42 22 94 71
• Website

Hours:

• May, June, September: Weekends and holidays: 14:00 – 18:00
• July, August: Daily 13:00 – 19:00

Notes:

• Free entry is available for children under seven years old.
• Discounts for students and disabled.
• Entry fees change for “Journée de plantes” and other events.

Aix: Ideas for a Day in the City

Gardens in Marseille

Parc Borély

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 19^th century, the city of Marseille became the owner and made a large public park. Today, the park covers almost 18 hectares of land, which includes the 1.2 hectares for 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 because it is a public park, pets (always on leash) are welcome.

The Édouard-Marie Heckel botanical garden within Parc Borély is home to around 3000 plant species. The plants are divided into themes, including edible and medicinal plants, Japanese, Chinese, South African, etc. It’s worth spending an hour or two learning more about many of the rare plants in this garden.

Contact Information:

• Avenue du Parc Borély, 13008 Marseille
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 91 55 25 51
• Website (botanical garden)

Hours:

• The park is open daily: 06:00-22:00
• The botanical garden is open:
  • October – March: Tuesday-Friday 12:00-17:30, Weekends and holidays 10:00-17:30
  • April – September: Tuesday-Friday 12:00-19:00, Weekends and holidays 10:00-19:00

Notes:

• There is no admission fee to the public park.
• Visits to the botanical garden are free, but you must make a reservation on the website.
• Take Métro Line 2: Station Rond-point du Prado, then transfer to bus 19, 44 or 83

Visitor Guide to the Bouches du Rhône

Garden of Migration

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 its neighbour, the contemporary black-lace concrete block known as MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations).

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; you do not need an entry ticket to walk through or enjoy the views. However, you do need a ticket to see the exhibits.

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Haute-Alpes Gardens

Domaine de Charance (Gap)

The Domaine de Charance on the outskirts of Gap is more than 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 the “Château des évêques” until after the French Revolution, after which it was seized and auctioned. Several wealthy families owned it over the years, and in the 19^th 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.

Contact Information:

• Domaine de Charance, Quartier de Charance, 05000 Gap
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 92 53 26 79
• Website

Hours:

• Mid-April, May, September, October: 14:00 – 17:00.
• June, July, and August: Weekdays 10:00 -18:30. Weekends and holidays: 10:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 18:30.
• The gardens are closed on Tuesdays year-round.

Notes:

• Admission is free. Guided tours for ten or more people are €3.50 per person.
• There is an information booth in the parking lot.
• There are picnic facilities and a playground for children.
• Pets are permitted but must always be kept on leads.
• A free bus (#73) takes you from the city center to the Domaine de Charance.

Jardin du Lautaret (Villar d’Arène)

The Jardin du Lautaret is also a research station for the Grenoble Alpes University 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 northern, southern, internal (continental), and external (Mediterranean) Alps crossroads. 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.

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 includes guided visits, scientific and artistic workshops, stargazing evenings, and more.

Contact Information:

• Jardin du Lautaret, Col du Lautaret, 05480 Villar-d’Arène
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 92 24 41 62
• Website

Hours:

• It is open from the first weekend in June to the first weekend in September (inclusive): 10:00 – 18:00.
• Free guided tours are available with paid entry at 10:30, 14:30, and 16:00.

Notes:

• Free entry for children under 12 years old.
• Discounts for students and disabled.
• There is a season pass for unlimited visits.
• Most garden trails are accessible to those with reduced mobility.

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Vaucluse Gardens

Le Jardin Romain (Caumont sur Durance)

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 digs on the property have revealed the foundations of a large-scale villa estimated to be 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 there are eight sections to the Roman Garden, it is easily visited in an hour.

Contact Information:

• Impasse de la chapelle, Avenue Génèral De Gaulle, 84510 Caumont-sur-Durance
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 22 00 22
• Website

Hours:

Open daily:
November 1 – February 28, 8h to 17h
March 1 – October 31, 8h to 19h

Notes:

Entry is free.
Dogs are not permitted on the property.

Domaine de Brantes (Sorgues)

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 had the gardens built in 1960.

The gardens have three basins and are surrounded by cypresses, box trees, and various flowering plants, including the rare dark blue dwarf plumbagoes, 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.

Contact Information:

• 157 Chemin de Brantes, 84700 Sorgues
• Telephone: +33 (0)6 62 08 98 22
• Website

Hours:

• April-June: Daily guided tours by appointment only.
• April-June: Weekends by appointment only.

Notes:

• As this is a private estate, all visits are group tours by appointment only.
• Entry is free for children under 12.
• Parking, shops, washrooms, and drinking water fountains are available.
• Accessible for mobility-reduced individuals.

Jardin du château de Val Joanis (Pertuis)

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 the 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.

Contact Information:

• D973, 84120 Pertuis
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 79 20 77
• Website

Hours:

• Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-19:00

Notes:

• Free for children under 16 years old.
• Occasionally, the garden is closed for special events. Call before visiting to ensure the garden is open.

Jardin du Palais des Papes (Avignon)

From 1309 to 1403, Popes who held the seat of the Catholic Church in France built a palace and gardens in Avignon. However, after the popes left in 1403, the palace changed ownership many times, leaving the gardens unattended. They became overgrown and transformed by the lack of care of their owners. Fortunately, in the 19^th 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 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 integrated into the palace monument’s tour route, they can 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 14^th-century garden. The Pope’s Garden, directly accessible from the Pope’s apartments, has a griffin fountain and a wildflower meadow.

Contact Information:

• 41 cours Jean Jaurès, 84004 Avignon
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 32 74 32 74
• Website

Hours:

• Open Daily
• March-October: 09:00-19:00
• November-February: 10:00-17:00

Notes:

• Free for children under eight years old.
• Reduced entry fee for students, disabled and their escort, and large families.
• Reservations are required through the website.
• Pets are not permitted.
• The garden closes 30 minutes before the monument.

Jardin Neuf du Château (Lauris)

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 factors contributing to the presence of fertile gardens. In fact, since the 16^th 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.

Contact Information:

• 4 Rue Rigaud, 84360 Lauris
• Telephone: +33 (0)7 66 25 21 99
• Website

Hours:

• May-October: Tuesday-Friday: 10:00-12:00 and 15:00-19:00, Weekends: 16:00-19:00

Notes:

• Free for children under 12 years old.
• Reduced entry fee for students.
• Guided tours are available for groups of at least five people for €6/person.

Roseraie de Gérenton (Bedoin)

In a quiet rural area near Mont Ventoux, you’ll find the Roseraie de Gérenton. It is the creation of 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.

Contact Information:

• 2884 Route de Flassan, 84410Bédoin
• Telephone: +33 (0)7 67 88 99 34
• Website

Hours:

• The garden is open (and in full bloom) from mid-May until June.
• The nursery is open from September until June.

Notes:

• There may be extra fees for workshops, events, or exhibitions.
• Guided tours are available.
• The nursery also hosts rose gardening workshops.

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Var Gardens to See

Jardin de la Commanderie de Peyrassol (Flassans-sur-Issole)

The jardin de la commanderie de Peyrassol is a different type of garden. It is also a successful Var vineyard and a contemporary sculpture park. The buildings on the site were initially constructed by the Knights Templar (13^th 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, oaks, and acres of vineyard. Although the gardens are open daily all year round, the warmer months are the best time to visit the garden and grounds.

Contact Information:

• RN7, 83340 Flassans-sur-Issole
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 94 69 71 02
• Website

Sculpture Park Hours:

• April-October: Daily 10:00-20:00
• November-January: Daily: 09:00-18:00
• The art centre, shop, and restaurants have different opening hours.

Notes:

• The entry fee for the sculpture park is free for people under 18 years old.
• Tours of the wine cellar and art centre are available for an additional cost.
• Reservations required. Book through their website.
• It’s possible to book a tour in a golf cart.
• On certain days, they offer tours in horse-drawn carriages.

Jardin du Las (Toulon)

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 carefully manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and meandering pathways allow visitors to relax and enjoy 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 Las has undergone several transformations. In addition to its natural beauty, the garden features statues, fountains, and pavilions. Throughout the year, the garden hosts various 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.

Contact Information:

• 737 chemin du Jonquet, 83200 Toulon
• Telephone: +33 (0)4 83 95 44 20
• Website

Hours:

• Summer Hours: 09:00-20:00
• Spring and Fall Hours: 09:00-18:00
• Winter Hours: 09:00-17:00

Notes:

• Free entry.
• Handicap accessible.
• Pets are permitted but must be on a leash.

Jardin Remarquable de Baudouvin (La Valette-du-Var)

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 20^th 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 use energy-saving technologies employing solar electricity and an irrigation system that minimizes water use.

Contact Information:

• Rue des Gibelin, 83160 La Valette-du-Var
• Telephone: +33 (0)6 07 30 65 23
• Website

Hours:

• Tuesdays-Sunday all year. (Closed on Mondays)
• November-February: 10:00-17:00
• March-May and September-October: 10:00-18:00
• June-August: 10:00-19:00

Notes:

• Free entry.
• Free parking (limited spaces).
• Guided visits on reservation.
• Pets are not permitted.

Explore some of the beautiful gardens in Provence and the Côte d’Azur. Each garden showcases the region’s natural beauty uniquely.