The Garden Route

Nestling at the heart of the French Riviera, the Citronneraie de Menton is redolent with scents of the South. Ranked a « remarkable garden », this private garden hosts superb guided tours, where you can admire its impressive 800 plant species. The itinerary starts amid the region’s iconic lemon trees. Lemons grown in Menton have an inimitable flavour and are used by our finest chefs. The walk is also lined with the delicate and bewitching citrus scents of orange, mandarin and grapefruit trees. A little further on, a decorative garden overflowing with tropical varieties awaits you to wind up this magical voyage of the senses.

The voluptuous second stage of the Garden Route is instilled with luxury and tranquillity. Head to the top of Cap Ferrat, unveiling the grounds of the sumptuous Villa Ephrusi of Rotschild. No less than 8 gardens – Provencal, Japanese and Florentine to name but a few – await you in this dream setting. Fancy a journey to distant climes? The impressive cacti and flowering aloe of the Mexican garden will whisk you away to South America. A touch of romance? Set at the end of the remarkable grounds, the rose garden offers up a delicate and sweet-scented show of beauty. A genuine paradise on Earth.

Combining culture and nature, this ancient Knights Templar commandery spans an impressive 2,350 acres. After a visit to the winery, you can opt for a relaxing guided tour of the grounds in a horse-drawn carriage. On the programme: a cultural voyage, dotted with contemporary works of land art, beautifully blended into the magnificent landscape. Don’t leave before you’ve tasted the fabulous wines!

The Alpes de Haute-Provence area harbours a genuine botanical treasure: Les Jardins de Salagon are home to around 1,700 plant species. A paradise for strollers and budding botanists! Visiting with the family? Take a stroll through the « Jardin des Senteurs » fragrance garden where you’ll meet with some astonishing aromas: did you know that certain plants smell of tyres, bleach or saucisson?! Next, it’s time to head to the medieval garden. Inspired by ancient illuminated manuscripts, it retraces the history of edible, medicinal and even magical plants used in the Middle Ages.

Discover the regional natural parks

The property of Gap town council, Domaine de Charance offers a thousand and one activities for nature lovers. Roam the English garden overflowing with the enticing scents of 600 rose varieties. Looking for action? Adrenalin freaks will love the trail and climbing courses. Visiting with the family? The « Piste Écureuil » is a fun walk, promising plenty of great memories to take back home. Set nestling against a mountain, Domaine de Charance is the perfect spot for getting your fill of fresh air.