13 Iconic and Stunning Gardens in France You Must Visit

France is overflowing with gardens, each more magnificent than the last. Whether it’s French, English or even Japanese-styled gardens, there’s something for everyone! Let’s embark on a tour of the most beautiful gardens in France.

 

13) Étretat Gardens

Étretat Garden
Coastal splendours: The striking beauty of the Étretat Garden. Photo credit: Gordito1869 via Creative Commons 4.0

There’s just something extra about the incredible Étretat Gardens

First of all, it has sculptures resembling faces manicured in the middle of the vegetation, as if they were emerging from the foliage. It’s both disturbing and intriguing.

Also, the diversity of plants used and the garden’s layout accentuate the landscape behind it.

 

12) Gardens of the Chantilly Castle

The Garden of the Chantilly castle
Botanical magic: the splendors of the gardens at the Château de Chantilly. Photo credit: Patrick via Creative Commons 2.0

Designed by the famous landscape architect André Le Nôtre, the gardens of the Chantilly Castle are a marvel of symmetry and geometry.

The natural setting surrounding the gardens offer a majestic landscape that enhances them, making it a masterpiece to look at.

The water contrasts with the plant’s greenery, offering a show you can’t find anywhere else.

 

11) Japanese Garden of Pierre-Baudis

Japanese Garden Pierre Baudis
A little corner of escape in the heart of Toulouse.

Located in the heart of Toulouse, this Japanese garden features all the elements you’d expect to find in its native country.

The Koi carp pond, stone lanterns and arched bridges are typical of Japan, and that’s what makes it so special!

This unforgettable garden has been designed to make visitors feel at ease as they wander through its beauty. It also offers areas for rest and observation where anyone can take a peaceful break in front of the traditional Japanese scenery.

 

10) Évêché Garden

Évéché Garden
Historic elegance: The timeless charm of the Évêché Garden in Limoges. Photo credit: Calips via Creative Commons 3.0

Located near the Limoges cathedral, the Évêché garden grants usa breathtaking view of the city.

But what really sets it apart is its diversity of plants, with loads of different trees and flowers, providing animals with a perfectly green oasis.

The sinuous alleys and flowerbeds create a pleasant environment for visitors and local wildlife alike.

 

9) Marqueyssac Gardens

Marqueyssac Garden
A symphony of plants: the Marqueyssac Gardens, a bewitching spectacle of greenery. Photo credit: Patrick via Creative Commons 2.0

Set on a cliff overlooking the Dordogne valley in Vézac, the Marqueyssac gardens are a sight to behold.

With their round, geometrically-shaped plants and straight-cut hedges, this garden is truly unique and has a very different style.

The rural setting surrounding the gardens really adds a quaint feel to this lovely setting!

 

8) Giverny Gardens

Giverny Garden
Claude Monet’s inspiration in one image.

Located in Giverny, Normandy, Claude Monet’s gardens were a source of inspiration for the painter.

The impressive color palette used in the gardens really highlights the layout.

With its floral arches, winding paths and bridges, these gardens are a haven of peace for all those who venture into this setting that looks like it’s straight out of a painting.

 

7) Villandry Gardens

Villandry Garden
Botanical harmony: The radiance of the gardens of Villandry.

The Villandry Gardens are a jewel of French garden aesthetics. Their geometric and symmetrical shapes really makes it pop!!

The red of flowers contrasts with the green vegetation, and the Château de Villandry in the background adds a little extra flair that you just can’t resist.

 

6) Parc de Bagatelle

Parc de Bagatelle
Green elegance: The harmony of Parc de Bagatelle, a source of inspiration. Photo credit: Guilhem Vellut via Creative Commons 2.0

Despite its French and English plant arrangements, this park has a country feel that sets it apart from other gardens with similar styles.

Located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, this garden also features bridges, temples, pavilions and waterfalls, presenting a really unique atmosphere!

 

5) Gardens of Eyrignac Manor

Gardens of Eyrignac Manor
Sculpted serenity: the radiance of the Gardens of Eyrignac Manor, a treasure trove of plants.

Located in Salignac-Eyvigues, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the gardens of Eyrignac Manor are known for their topiary aesthetic, with hedges trimmed into straight geometric shapes.

With their rose bed, trimmed boxwoods and fountains, these gardens are unique and offer the perfect setting for a relaxing walk.

 

4) Luxembourg Garden

Luxembourg Garden
Timeless charm: escape to the heart of the Luxembourg Garden, Paris.

Located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, this classic French-style garden is located in front of the Luxembourg Palace and was designed to accompany it, which it does brilliantly.

With its fountains, sculptures and trees surrounding the garden, it’s a verdant spot in Paris and offers the perfect escape from urban life.

 

3) Jardin des Plantes

Jardin des Plantes
A botanical oasis: the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, a green haven in the heart of the city.

The Jardin des Plantes, located in the 5th arrondissement of the capital, is one of France’s oldest gardens. It was built in 1626!

Its botanical diversity offers a colorful display for visitors, and its layout includes colorful flower beds, trees and shady walkways. This historic garden is a sight to behold.

 

2) Tuileries Garden

Tuileries Garden
Parisian elegance: the timeless charm of the Tuileries Gardens, a symbol of beauty.

Its classical French design makes it a symbol of this style, with the Louvre in the background, it’s a truly unique sight!

The straight hedges, large fountains and different flower beds, really adds some sort of a cachet to the place, reminding us that these were royal gardens, and they certainly have a regal feel..

It also provides a view of the Eiffel Tower, which is an added bonus you can’t overlook!

 

1) Gardens of Versailles

Gardens of Versailles
Floral opulence: the majestic Gardens of Versailles, plant sumptuousness at its best.

With its majestic feel and perfect symmetry, the Gardens of Versailles are a real jewel of French botanical art!

Designed by André Le Nôtre, the gardens offer an unforgettable show when you visit, featuring ponds and fountains that operate intermittently, staging an order of passage to visit the site.

The sculptures depicting famous moments from ancient mythology and history are incredible sights to behold..

In the end, the Gardens of Versailles are a masterpiece of design and engineering, showcasing all those channels for the ponds and the precise layout that highlights every plant and hedge.