Gardens of Provence (and beyond) in Saint-Tropez, Forcalquier, Aix-en-Provence, Lauris, Bonnieux, Salagon, Sourges or the Valensole plateau. Whatever your destination, give yourself a few hours to admire the natural beauty that the flora of the parks of Provence can offer you.
Domaine du Rayol
The itinerary among the gardens of Provence begins at Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, near Ramatuelle. The Domaine du Rayol is a journey through the plant cradled by a Mediterranean climate. In this labyrinth dotted with palm trees, cacti and terraces overlooking the sea, you will be able to touch the soul of Provence.
Val Joanis
History buffs will appreciate the Val Joanis castle garden, built on the remains of a Roman villa.
It was designed near a large wine estate, according to 17th-century tradition.
A few kilometers west of Forcalquier, the garden of the former Valsaintes Abbey is also worth a detour. This Cistercian church was founded in the late 12th century. Here there are about 500 varieties of roses, many species of dryland plants and a beautiful collection of lavender.
5 Senses and Eguilles
Just a stone’s throw from Aix-en-Provence, the Garden of the 5 Senses and First Forms was born from a unique concept: a division into spaces, each of which solicits the visitors’ sense. It was also conceived as an aesthetic whole, where the primary shapes (circles, squares, triangles) translate a symbolism.
More secretive is the garden of Eguilles, where a hundred works by contemporary artist Max Sauze are displayed. In the bend of lush vegetation, it is an opportunity for a pause between dreams and nature.
Dyeing Plants and Louve
Unique in Europe, the winter garden of dye plants in Lauris specializes in plants from which dyes are extracted. They are used in painting, dyeing, cosmetics and food. Eco-responsible, it also offers creative workshops.
A little further north, in Bonnieux, the Louve garden is an archetypal Provençal vegetation garden. Come and admire plants and spices, such as cistus, rosemary and thyme.
Salagon
Stretching over six hectares, the gardens of Salagon Priory offer botanical discovery around four themes: herbs and village plants, the medieval garden, the modern garden, and finally scents. The latter will allow you, for example, to find the good and bad smells of everyday life through plants. Some species smell like popcorn, candy. Others even smell of tires.
Domaine de Brantes
A contemporary Tuscan-inspired garden, the Domaine de Brantes in Sorgues consists of a planted garden, a natural meadow and a wooded park, articulated around a central axis of three ponds.
Ponds located in Clos de Villeneuve, a garden that is spread over three open terraces on the Valensole plateau.
Sauvan, Albertas and Romégas
Sauvan Castle Park in Mane and Albertas Gardens in Bouc Bel Air will immerse you in the tradition of French gardens.
Looking for a more typically Provençal style? Head to the Romégas gardens in Aix-en-Provence.