We arrange tailor-made tours for small groups of friends or colleagues (minimum six people) wishing to travel together to a special destination or for specialist horticultural groups.
We have the experience, know the good hotels and the best itineraries to offer.
Starting among sub-tropical vegetation on the coast and aromatic terraced gardens around Grasse, we continue into the vine-covered hinterland with its evocative stone pines and cypress trees. In the limestone Alpilles hills and the Luberon, we visit notable private gardens with their cloud pruned shrubs, lavender, cistus and rosemary, influenced by Nicole de Vésian, among other designers.
Offering an in-depth exploration of gardens both historic and contemporary, many by leading Provencal designers who planted with drought conditions in mind, set among the mountains and wild flora of the garrigue in southern Provence. Our base is the Hotel La Mirande in the centre of Avignon, with its Michelin Green Star restaurant and historic kitchen where the chef introduces us to the secrets of Provencal cuisine.
Features an excellent collection of gardens, some created in the early 1900s, while others are newly planted and as exuberant as they are inspiring. We note the influence of Piet Oudolf’s prairie garden style in some. In the coastal region, the warmth of the Gulf Stream and acid soil conditions offer rich conditions for rhododendrons, camellias, and superb hydrangeas – including a national collection.
With a focus on superb gardens in a region famed for its roses, our tour takes place at the height of the flowering season. We begin in Lyon, a historical city at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, and then move on to the idyllic Beaujolais countryside. Highlights include beautiful châteaux, a renowned botanical garden, and inspiring gardens of rose specialists including the well-known Meilland family. Travel between London and Lyon is by Eurostar and TGV.
