5 Beautiful Gardens on the French Riviera
The Côte d’Azur (aka the French Riviera) is known for its beaches, sunshine, and glamour, and I’m here for all of it! But the stretch of dreamy coastline is also home to a bouquet of delightful gardens, from desert wonders perched high above the sea to thousands of roses dedicated to a princess.
When you’re not in the mood to lie on a beach or if you just need a little pick-me-up during the winter months, these five French Riviera gardens are the botanical boost you need.
If you make Nice your home base, you can easily reach these Cote d’Azur gardens in day or half-day trips via bus, taxi, train, or by renting your own wheels.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild has 17 acres of gardens to visit, and a tearoom inside the villa’s former dining room
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
The rose-colored Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild was the winter home of Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, a French socialite and art collector. She had her French Riviera villa built between 1905 and 1912 after leaving her husband, a not-so-gentle man who racked up gambling debts and gave her an STD (you go girl!).
As part of the entry ticket, you can dip inside for a look at about a dozen rooms filled with art, décor, and furnishings. There is even a restaurant and tearoom inside what was once the Baroness’s dining room (dessert is the thing to order here).
But it’s the 17 acres of gardens surrounding the villa that draw me there. Categorized into nine themes, such as Japanese, French, and Spanish, they are all set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, and are serene, lush, and just…wow!
Filled with lush plants and trees, colorful flower beds and bushes, and dotted with sculptures, statues, ornate stairways and other garden eye candy, this is the perfect garden to stroll with loved ones, Mom, or alone.
The Exotic Gardens of Eze sit 1400 feet above sea level. Photo by OlyaSolodenko
2. Jardin Exotique d’Èze
Okay, travelers, this garden is the reward at the end of a steep climb through the enchanting perched village of Èze. If you’re not sure-footed, or even a little afraid of heights, this might not be your jam.
Think of the garden as the village’s crown, encrusted with castle ruins, statues, and a stunning collection of flowering desert succulents and cacti, as well as Mediterranean plants and flowers. Some are marked with QR codes too, so you can impress your friends with extra knowledge about the flora. Or just take a seat in the sun and admire what could be the most jaw-dropping view of the French Riviera coastline you’ll ever see.
Èze is home to a couple of swanky hotels too, if you’re up for a splurge: Château de la Chèvre d’Or and Château Eza.
Tip: The terrace at Château de la Chèvre d’Or is a lovely spot to enjoy a glass of champagne. Cheers!
The Princess Grace Rose Garden in Monaco was dedicated in 1984 and is now home to more than 5000 roses. Photo by Ingo Dörenberg
3. Princess Grace Rose Garden
Inaugurated in 1984, the Princess Grace Rose Garden is one of Monaco's most underrated landmarks and a poignant reminder of the American girl who became a princess when she, actress Grace Kelly, married Prince Rainier of Monaco on April 19, 1956.
This garden in the Fontvieille district of Monaco (near the helipad), is home to more than 300 varieties of roses from all over the world. I’ve read that there are 5,000-6,000 bushes, but I seriously wonder if anyone has actually counted them. It doesn’t really matter—there are a lot, planted in concentric circles around a central fountain.
Wander the network of interconnected paths that weaves through the blooms, allowing you to discover the various rose displays. Use your smartphone to flash the QR codes and learn more about the varieties. Be sure to search for the pink Grace de Monaco, the variety created by the French rose breeder House of Meilland as a wedding gift to the new princess.
That’s way better than a gravy boat!
Even during peak season, the Monastery Gardens in Cimiez in Nice can feel empty. Photo by Emmeci74
4. Monastery Gardens of Cimiez
I stumbled on this garden while visiting the Matisse Museum in Nice and what a discovery it was! So incredibly peaceful, even in the thick of summer.
The Italian-style garden surrounding a Benedictine monastery is where the monks once cultivated their vegetables (they are said to have invented mesclun salad here). The gardens are free to explore and are located within the city limits of Nice. Take in the orange, lemon, and mandarin trees, and follow the flowerbed-lined paths through olive and cypress tree groves. For shade in the summer, there are pergolas smothered in climbing roses. If I knew how to paint, I’d set up my easel here!
Tip: The nearby Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez will make you feel as if you’ve traveled to ancient Rome on foot!
5. Les Serres de la Madone
Les Serres de la Madone in Menton is another world. Photo by Jannick Tessier
Menton is worth a visit when visiting the French Riviera, whether or not you're a lover of gardens. However, this hidden gem is located inland from the town and offers a nice respite from the throngs of people who visit the lemon-scented town on the Italian border. If you’re looking for something different to do along the French Riviera, this garden is for you.
The estate was originally owned by the American botanist Lawrence Johnston, who filled his 17-acre hillside property with flora and fauna from his travels around the world. There is an entry fee (check website for most current pricing).
To get there, I recommend a train from Nice to Menton, then hire a cab to take you the 1.5 miles up to the gardens.
FYI: If you have reduced mobility, you should be aware that there are some steep stairs and uneven terrain. Where sturdy shoes.
