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7 of The most beautiful gardens in France

Most beautiful gardens to visit in France — quiet corners filled with colour, gentle scents, and picture-perfect paths that make you slow down and enjoy every step.

Should I try to describe any of these gardens to you, I would repeat words like:  Fantastic, Amazing, Astonishing, Wonderful, Remarkable, Extraordinary, etc….  In my opinion, you simply cannot “explain” any of these gardens.  I think it is something you just have to see and experience for yourself.  So here is a list of some of the most beautiful gardens in France.  They are all on my list of Gardens to visit in France.

Listed below, we are giving you their website info, so you can go directly to the source and get the best updated info regarding open times and price.  As well as practical information on visits to the gardens and access to ticket sales.

The Marqueyssac gardens

Listed as a Historical Monument, this 17th-century château located at Vézac overlooks the Dordogne valley.

  • Website for more info: https://marqueyssac.com/
  • Address: Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, 24220 Vezac, France
  • Photo below includes link to their website with a presentation video.

The gardens of Monet in Giverny

The Foundation Claude Monet is a non-profit organisation.  It runs and preserves the house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, France.  Also the second most visited tourist site in Normandy.

Château de Villandry

  • Website for more info: https://www.chateauvillandry.fr/en/
  • Address: 3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry, France
  • I have no words other than:  Watch this video and you will know why you simply have to visit this garden – one of the most beautiful gardens to visit in France.

Château de Chenonceau

The Château de Chenonceau is situated in the Loire Valley in France. It is one of the best-known châteaux of the valley.  The Garden of Diane de Poitiers is well worth a visit.

  • Website for more info: https://www.chenonceau.com/en
  • Address: 37150 Chenonceaux, France
  • Video below of their restaurant – L’Orangerie.  There is also picnic facilities and many more.

🕮 Suggested Read: Travel smarter, not heavier! The 13 Must-Have Travel Essentials for a Seamless Journey.

Things to watch out for (Travel Tips)

  1. Crowds at Monet’s garden can be intense, especially in peak season, with numbers rising rapidly in recent years. Early morning or late afternoon visits can help avoid the busiest times.
  2. Some gardens have seasonal openings or limited bloom periods. For example, Monet’s garden usually opens in spring and flowers peak in late spring to early summer.  Always check with them first.
  3. Smaller gardens not always on big lists (like Jardins de Valloires or the Arboretum des Grandes Bruyères) are lovely alternatives if you want quieter experiences.

3 Travel tips for visiting gardens in France

  1. Time your visit for blooms: Early June through mid-July is often the most colorful period in most formal gardens, when roses, water lilies and perennial beds are at their peak.
  2. Check opening hours before you go: Some gardens (especially smaller or privately-run ones) only open certain days or seasons, and might require reservations or tickets in advance.
  3. Why not mix big names with hidden gems: The big names like Monet’s and Versailles are stunning, but smaller gardens like Jardins de Valloires or the bamboo paths at Bambouseraie de Prafrance offer unique styles and fewer crowds.

The gardens of Vaux le Vicomte Castle

Vaux le Vicomte Castle is a place to have fun.  Included in your trip to these spectacular gardens are 33 hectares of French garden on both sides.  Combining water games, surprises, and optical illusions, this is a fun place for young and old.

  • Website for more info: https://vaux-le-vicomte.com/
  • Address: Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 77950 Maincy, France
  • The video below from their website explains more about the history and will give you the reason why you have to visit.

Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Like something out of a fairy tale.

Château de Versailles

Set out and explore the fountains and groves with their water features spouting to the rhythm of music.  In my opinion truly a travel-must-see and one of the most beautiful gardens to visit in France.

There are plenty more magical gardens to visit in France.

The grandeur of each garden is so unique and captivating that you will want to go back again and again.

For more photos of the lovely french gardens, see our video on Youtube.

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