Hidden Gardens of Southern France

From Carcassonne in Languedoc
to Avignon in Provence

Please note that this is a "suggested" private group itinerary, which can be changed to suit your interests. The tour price will depend on the number of participants, travel dates, type of hotels, etc.

Languedoc and Provence are two fascinating regions where centuries past have seen some of the most noteworthy figures and events in French history. The Phoenicians settled there, on the shores of the Mediterranean, in 560 BC. Then, the Romans occupied the area and brought several centuries of "Pax Romana." Hannibal's elephants came lumbering through in 218 BC on their way over the Alps. Later on, the Visigoths invaded, followed by the Franks. And, in the 13th century, the region was home to the Cathars, who were massacred by the Inquisition during the Albigensian crusade. So much history in such a small corner of the country!

Today, the region is peaceful, of course, and it is bursting with creativity and economic expansion. One of the main attractions is the mild and sunny Mediterranean climate. People from colder places discover an easier, gentler lifestyle and never want to leave. All of which makes this captivating region an ideal place for fun and enlightening exploration - from ancient sites to enchanting undiscovered gardens and, not to forget, world-class gastronomy. (The area is one of the largest wine producers in the world, so fine wine and good food are in abundance everywhere.)

Although the area is not much more than 150 miles from end to end, having the tour based in two locations is a good idea: first in or around the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then somewhere around chic and bustling Montpellier, one of the oldest university cities in Europe.

At the start of the tour, a guided visit of Carcassonne with its imposing 53 towers and massive ramparts is an absolute must. This can be followed, an hour away, by a tour of the stunningly beautiful 12th-century Cistercian Abbaye de Fontfroide with its wonderful rose garden and a visit to the nearby Mediterranean botanical garden in Durban. Another day takes you to the prize-winning Carrières de St Adrien near Béziers and to the Mediterranean garden in Roquebrun nestled in the middle of its very own microclimate.

Not to be missed is the garden of La Bouichère in Limoux with an amazing collection of perfumed plants. Then, for some relaxation, an afternoon of barge cruising on the Canal du Midi (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) is highly recommended. Before leaving southern Languedoc, we suggest including Castres and the formal garden at the Goya Museum which houses the largest collection of Spanish paintings outside of Spain. Finally, you may want to visit the informal English-style Jardin des Martels in Giroussens, with over 2,500 varieties of plants.

Montpellier is the suggested home base for the second part of the tour. This booming city blends the Old Town with the new Antigone neighborhood full of majestic modern buildings replicating the ancient architecture of Rome, complete with a bronze replica of Poseidon. On to the nearby park and gardens of the Château de Flaugergues. This typical 17th-century Château and its winery offer a sampling of the wines produced on the property, perhaps in the company of the Comte de Colbert (a descendant of Louis XIV's finance minister) or a member of his family.

Then, a tour of Nîmes with its Roman temple and amphitheater and the magnificent Jardins de la Fontaine can be combined with a visit to the impressive Pont du Gard, also built by the Romans. Another day takes you up to the foothills of the Cévennes mountains to discover the exotic collection of bamboos and tree ferns at the Bambouseraie, dating back to the 1850s, and the terraced gardens at Le Jardin des Sambucs. In Lunel, an enchanting private garden can be included on the itinerary, as well as the fascinating nursery of the pépinière L'Arc en Fleurs in St Christol. Finally, a nice change of pace would be a detour to St Guilhem le Désert, a charming village and abbey hidden in the rosemary-scented hills northwest of Montpellier.

With such rich history, wonderful climate, plentiful vineyards and superb gastronomy, the region offers many more options: a day trip to rustic Camargue with its wild and natural beauty or medieval Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh spent two of his most prolific years, is one possibility. Another option would be a visit to Avignon with its famed nursery-rhyme bridge and imposing Palais des Papes.

Let us know where and when you want to go. We will create a custom program that fits your interests, schedule and requirements.

  

Places on this tour route we have personally visited: Carcassonne, Canal du Midi, Cathar country, Abbaye de Fontfroide, Beziers, Montpellier, Nimes, Pont du Gard, Avignon, Arles, Camargue and Provence. See pictures from our trips:

[top]