The best French springtime gardens to visit

Spring is undoubtedly the most magical season for discovering France in a different way. Trees are budding, flowers burst with color, and fragrances fill the air. Among the treasures of French heritage, historic gardens offer a unique spectacle at this time of year. Here is a selection of the most beautiful gardens in France to visit in spring, for a stroll filled with poetry and serenity.

1) The Gardens of Villandry (Loire Valley) Ranked among the most famous Renaissance gardens in France, the Villandry Gardens offer a living picture in spring. Between ornamental vegetable gardens, water gardens, and meticulously trimmed flowerbeds, a visit is an immersion in French elegance. Don't miss: the multicolored tulips in April, which transform the site into a giant mosaic.

2) The Gardens of Giverny (Normandy) Immortalized by Claude Monet, the Giverny Gardens are a must-see in spring. The water lily pond, flower-lined paths, and Japanese bridges offer a spectacle worthy of an Impressionist painting. Tip: Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the peace and quiet and watch the light play on the water, just as Monet painted it.

3) Parc de Bagatelle (Paris) Located in the Bois de Boulogne, Parc de Bagatelle is a haven of peace in the heart of Paris. In spring, its rose gardens, peonies, and irises vie with each other in beauty. This romantic garden, born from a bet between Marie-Antoinette and the Count of Artois, is one of the most charming in the capital. The Rose Festival in May and June features over 10,000 varieties.

4) The Gardens of the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire (Loir-et-Cher) Chaumont hosts the International Garden Festival every year. Every spring, landscapers and artists from around the world reinvent the gardens around creative and poetic themes. This is the perfect place if you enjoy artistic experiences that blend nature and imagination.

5) The Exotic Garden of Eze (Côte d'Azur) Perched atop a medieval village, the Exotic Garden of Eze offers a collection of cacti and succulents, as well as breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. In spring, the experience is unforgettable, with the blue sky, the sparkling sea, and the flowering vegetation.

6) The Gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat) On the Côte d'Azur, the Villa Ephrussi features nine themed gardens, ranging from Italian to Japanese styles. In spring, the dancing fountains accompanied by music and the flowerbeds create a magical atmosphere. A highlight: the French garden, which offers a spectacular view of the pink villa and the azure sea.