Gardens of the French Riviera

This morning, we meet our guide, Iain MacDonald, at Dublin Airport before boarding our flight to Nice. On arrival, we travel to Parc Phoenix, a 17-acre ecological haven in the heart of Nice, home to an impressive collection of approximately 2,500 plant species. Its striking pyramid-shaped greenhouse, one of the tallest in Europe, recreates six distinct tropical and subtropical climates, offering a fascinating introduction to the region’s botanical treasures.

Following our visit, we continue to Cannes, where we check in to our hotel for the duration of our holiday.

After a leisurely breakfast, we travel to Menton to explore the beautiful Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh. This exceptional botanical garden boasts a remarkable diversity of plant life, arranged across a series of terraced plots covering just over one hectare. The gardens are centred around an elegant villa with ochre-coloured walls, designed in the Italian-Provençal style and refurbished during the 1920s.

Following some free time for lunch in Menton (at your own expense), we continue to the enchanting Serre de la Madone. This distinctive landscaped garden is home to approximately 5,000 plant species, including three national plant collections, and was designated a Historic Monument in 1990.
Cleverly arranged across a series of terraces linked by winding pathways, the garden offers a journey through diverse garden styles from around the world. Benches, statues, fountains and striking reflecting pools are beautifully integrated into the lush planting, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity and timeless elegance.

We return to Cannes in the afternoon, with the evening free to relax and enjoy the town at your leisure.
 

Our first visit today is to Domaine Saint-Jacques du Couloubrie, an estate renowned as an outstanding example of the traditional landscape of Grasse. Spanning eight hectares, the estate features a series of botanical highlights, including a monumental rock garden, a fragrant perfume garden, a conservatory dedicated to Nabonnand roses and a beautifully restored ice house.
After our visit, we enjoy some free time for lunch at our own expense before continuing with the afternoon’s excursion.
 

Set dramatically beside the sea, Château de la Napoule is an impressive medieval fortress distinguished by its red stone walls and towers. Located in Mandelieu, the château offers a fascinating insight into the lives of its former owners, American couple Henry and Marie Clews, who transformed the property into their home.
The gardens, first laid out in 1919, comprise four distinctive areas: the Main Garden, the La Mancha Garden, the seafront terraces and the Secret Garden. Together, they create a captivating blend of historic architecture, artistic vision and Mediterranean beauty.

We return to Cannes in the afternoon, with the evening at leisure.
 

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace, with a full day free to discover the many charms of the Côte d’Azur. You may wish to explore the elegant streets and boutiques of Cannes, visit its seafront promenade or venture further afield to discover some of the picturesque towns and villages of the surrounding region.
Whether you choose sightseeing, shopping or simply relaxing by the Mediterranean, the day offers a wonderful opportunity to make the most of the French Riviera.
 

Today, we cross the border into neighbouring Italy to visit the magnificent Giardini Botanici Hanbury in Mortola. Established in 1867, this 18-hectare botanical garden is home to an extraordinary collection of more than 5,800 exotic plant species.
Created through the combined expertise of botanists, agronomists and landscape designers, the gardens showcase a harmonious relationship between the surrounding landscape, historic buildings, garden structures and cultivated terraces. The result is a remarkable botanical setting that combines scientific interest with natural beauty.
We then enjoy some free time for lunch at our own expense before continuing to Èze for our afternoon visit.
 

Perched on the site of a medieval fortress, Le Jardin Exotique d’Èze offers spectacular panoramic views across the French Riviera and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
The garden features plants from a variety of climatic regions, arranged in two distinct sections. The sun-drenched southern side is home to species from arid and desert environments, while the cooler, shadier northern side supports a range of Mediterranean plants.
With its dramatic setting, fascinating botanical collection and breathtaking views, this is a memorable highlight of our exploration of the Côte d’Azur.

We return to Cannes in the afternoon, with the evening free to enjoy at leisure.
 

This morning, we visit the renowned Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret in Antibes, an important centre for botanical research and plant conservation.
Established in 1857 and now owned by the French state, the Villa Thuret has long served as both a scientific laboratory and a botanical garden and arboretum. Its work focuses on the introduction, cultivation and acclimatisation of exotic plant species, making it a fascinating destination for anyone with an interest in horticulture, botany and garden design.
 

This afternoon is free to enjoy Cannes at your own pace. Take the opportunity for some last-minute shopping, explore any favourite spots you would like to revisit or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the famous seafront promenade.

Following check-out from our hotel this morning, we travel to the beautiful Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula to visit the magnificent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Built in the early 20th century by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, this elegant pink-hued villa offers a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Belle Époque. Surrounded by nine themed gardens, the estate is a masterpiece of architecture, horticulture and landscape design.
Each garden has its own distinctive character and inspiration, from the formal French garden, complete with musical fountains, to the exotic, Florentine, Spanish and Japanese gardens. Together, they provide a captivating journey through different garden traditions, complemented by spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

Following our visit, we continue to Nice Airport for our return flight to Dublin.