Gardens to visit

Alongside the panoramic views of the Provencal landscape, discover the more intimate natural beauty of the highly unique gardens found in the Luberon. Below are three of my favorite gardens to visit, each exceptional in its own right.

Jardin de la Louve

One of my favorite spots in the Luberon. La Louve began in 1986 when Nicole de Vesians, a stylist in Hermes created a terraced garden which has become a the archetype of the Provencal garden.

Beautiful stones and plants, indigenous to the garrigue, blend perfectly with the surrounding nature. The current owners, Sylvie Verger Lanel and her husband open the garden for visits and service refreshments.

Most days there is a tour in the late afternoon from mid-April and mid-October. Private visits (for parties of 10+) can be booked at other times.

Chateau Val Joanis

The Chateau Val Joanis is known for its exceptional rosé wines, its excellent wine-tasting tours and above all for its award winning garden.

The garden was created in 1978 with the help of landscape gardener Tobbie Loup de Viane, based on images of the stately gardens of the XVIIth century, Three terraces protect the plants from the Mistral and blend lavender, roses, irises, cypresses and other Mediterranean species with a remarkable old-fashioned vegetable garden,

Open most mornings /afternoons but can be booked for weddings. Check times: +33(0)490798840.

Chateau de Lauris

On the lower terrace of the 19th century Chateau de Lauris, there is an award winning garden, created by Couleur Garance, a passionate group dedicated to preserving plant dyes as an alternative to the toxic colourants used today.

An exceptional collection of colourful plants and above all a conservatory preserving 250 different plants traditionally used to create colours for dyes, paints and inks.

A fascinating garden and source of inspiration for botanists, scientists and artists. Open to the public for visits from May to October.