Le Pavillon de Galon with its landscape lapping at the foot of the Luberon has a magnificent garden of four hectares brimming with vineyards, fig and cherry trees, lavender and more. It has become the flagship garden of Vaucluse. From here it is possible to see the steeple of the church of Cucuron one kilometer away. The garden is close to the well-known Provençal village which winds in on itself with its maze of narrow streets, while seeming so distant, it’s almost another world!

Val Joanis is an area of 400 hectares including 100 vineyards with its heart in a castle, whose foundations are 16th century. The garden is set on a promontory surrounded by beautiful trees, some of which are over a century old.

With a preserved vegetable and fruit garden, the air is sweetly perfumed and visits are easy. Adjacent to the vineyard shop, this garden is available to visitors during the summer when the shop is open. Val Joanis offers wine in all three colours and regularly wins awards in wine competitions.

The Majolan Park is one of my favorite places in the outskirts of Bordeaux. Created between 1870 – 1880, this stunning park was once a swamp. After the reconstruction began, the 20 hectares of the swamp was remade into a lake, an artificial cave, fountains, waterfalls, bridges and flower gardens. The place is honestly one of the most beautiful things ever. It has a small castle in the center. Quiet, secluded walking paths, with romantic wooden or iron bridges. The caves are so amusing to explore as well, even though they are artificial.

Do you love big, open spaces? Do you like old trees, forests and wild nature? Then maybe, this less known park, hidden in the Merignac district of Bordeaux is right up your alley. Park Feau is not one of the typical parks around the city with straight, pretty gardens, made up with colorful flowers. It is mostly constructed by greenery, swamps and big trees and that is exactly what I love about it. I couple of minutes walk from the Lycee des Merignac – Tram A stop and you have a forest inside the city. Maybe not the best place for children (though there is a children’s playground) but it is perfect for a run or a walk with your pet. Plus its open all the time.