Gardens Tours in France
France had great medieval and renaissance gardens, few of which survive. In the seventeenth century France took the lead in making Baroque gardens. The power of these gardens was so great that their shadow lasted for over two centuries. In the last years of the twentieth century, France began making great public parks and highly original small gardens. It has always been a country of great horticultural skills.
A number of British and American operators run tours to French gardens and they are very convenient. Northern France is much better served than Southern or Western France. In the Paris region there is an excellent public transport system. Elsewhere in France the train system is good but many of the great gardens are in rural areas with no trains and infrequent bus services. Fortunately, car hire is easy and the roads are good.
Escorted Garden Tours in France
nights
Nice and the Gardens of the French Riviera, departing 23rd April and 10th September 2010
The Côte d'Azur was one of the first parts of Europe to be settled and, much later, the British made it the world's most famous holiday coast. It has a delightful climate, great houses and exuberant gardens. The tour includes Serre de la Madone, Villa Val Rameh, Clos du Peyronnet, Les Cedres, Fondation Ephrussi de Rothschild (pictured left), the Exotic Gardens of Monte Carlo and the Hanbury Botanic Garden (in Italy).
Photograph by vincent.m
nights
Gardens of the Loire with Chaumont, departing 13th May and 9th September 2010
The Loire Valley is the Garden of France, the Cradle of the French Language and place where the France's aristocracy chose to build their most celebrated chateaux. The River Loire is majestic; the chateaux are noble. The tour includes Petit-Bordeaux, Chateau d'Angers, Parc du Maulevrier, Chateau de Villandry, Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud and the International Garden Festival at Chaumont.
Photograph by Alan Graham
nights
Gardens of Brittany by Rail, departing 18th May, 22nd June and 7th September 2010
Brittany is an Atlantic province with an ancient Celtic landscape. It used to be known as Little Britain. It has gentle hills, sweet valleys and charming gardens. The tour includes Parc Botanique de Kerbihan and Cornouaille, the gardens of Rospico, Château de Lanniron, Trévarez and the Jardin Botanique des Montagnes Noires.
Photograph by nz_willowherb