The Villa Mariani in Bordighera: olive trees and palm trees, painted by Claude Monet

A cottage whose original architect was Charles Garnier, the architect of the Monte-Carlo Opera and the Grande Opéra in Paris, who was hired by Countess Fanshawe. The cottage, later extended by other architects, dominates a lush garden. The garden’s olive, orange, mandarin, lemon and palm trees have stood there for centuries. It was in this green oasis overlooking the Bordighera coast that Claude Monet created his many masterpieces.

In February 1884, when the master of Impressionism discovered this magical place, he wrote: “This kind of garden is indescribable, it is pure magic. Plants from all over the world grow here without any visible need for care.”

This wild aspect is truly fascinating, especially in a place where Claude Monet set up his easel to capture the purity of the scene for his “subject” paintings. Two intertwined olive trees called “the lovers” or the church tower of Bordighera framed by lush vegetation – these paintings testify that nature has remained intact here.

Claude Monet was fascinated by these centuries-old trees and numerous exotic plants that the first owner, a rich olive oil and lemon exporter named Francesco Moreno, had brought to the villa from his numerous travels around the world. This garden hides views that Monet had specifically chosen for some of his paintings, such as “The View of Ventimiglia”, now owned by the Glasgow Museum, or “A Garden in Bordighera”, exhibited in the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg.

In 1909, the Italian painter Pompeo Mariani bought the villa. His monumental studio is still intact. A 250 square meter sunlit studio houses a collection of rare objects and paintings by the artist. This is a great stop after a garden stroll in the footsteps of two great impressionists: Pompeo Mariani, famous for his magnificent seascapes, and Claude Monet, in love with flowers and water lilies.

Visits by reservation only.

Villa Mariani
Via Fontana Vecchia, 5
Historic centre of Bordighera
Tel +39(0)1 8426 5556
www.fondazionepompeomariani.com

The exotic garden of Èze-Village: pinned to the sky by its cacti

A remarkable place in every way. In one of the most beautiful villages on the French Riviera, there is a garden that seems to float between the sky and the sea, immersing us in a colorful dream. A symphony of green, from its softest to its darkest shade, fascinates in its monochrome, while the slender cacti are crowned with yellow, orange or pink flowers – their spines seem to push the garden towards the sky.

Classified as a “Remarkable Garden” since 2014, the Exotic Garden of Èze is a small gem overlooking the Mediterranean coast. There are also several perfectly harmonious sculptures – the silhouettes of women by Jean-Philippe Richard made of bronze and a special connection with earth (that’s why they are often called “earth goddesses”). The statues sculpted by the artist’s hand are in cheerful conversation with the surprising creations of nature that surround them, such as spurge, agave, aloe and yucca… The abundance of forms exceeds any imagination, the Garden of Èze can obviously boast of its truly rare collection.

Succulents from desert regions coexist harmoniously with Mediterranean species. The garden of Èze takes us on a journey through North America and South Africa in search of cacti and succulents before discovering another universe of myrtles, rockroses and arbutus (strawberry trees) that populate the shady and wetter northern slopes. The western part enjoys an even different atmosphere with subtropical plants growing next to a pergola and a refreshing waterfall.

As for the exceptional panorama, on a clear day you can admire the coast as far as Cap Camarat in the Saint-Tropez area. Truly fascinating.

Exotic Garden of Èze
Rue du Château (village hill)
Phone +33(0)4 9341 2600
www.jardinexotique-eze.fr

Domaine du Rayol: Mediterranean landscapes from around the world

This unique park is located in Canadel-sur-Mer, between Le Lavandou and Saint-Tropez, at the foot of the Maures massif. Opposite the Hyères Islands in the Var department, the Rayol area offers 20 hectares of protected vegetation in an exceptional setting. For thirty years, this huge garden has been the property of the Conservatoire du littoral, a French public organization dedicated to the protection of outstanding natural coastal areas, which adheres closely to the philosophy of the famous French garden designer Gilles Clément. This outstanding landscape architect advocates an intelligent “laissez-faire” approach. Gardeners only intervene with the utmost respect for the natural cycle of trees and plants. For example, fallen leaves are not picked up, which enriches the soil, and very sparing watering allows the plants to survive even in droughts. Man’s task is therefore to make the most of the diversity while carefully preserving it.

Domaine du Rayol takes us on a world tour through Mediterranean landscapes. This climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers is typical not only in Europe, but also in California, Australia, parts of Chile and South Africa. The gardens thus recreate the atmosphere of some very remote regions. Domaine du Rayol also spoils us with some “special guest plants” such as New Zealand ferns, Asian bamboos or Mexican cacti.

In addition to the 7-hectare garden, the property also has a 13-hectare area of ​​maquis, which is managed to reduce the risk of fire. Several times a year, thematic tours are organized that introduce us to the secret life of shrubs. Several tours are held every day, the aim of which is to raise public awareness of species conservation and phytotherapy.

Domaine du Rayol
Avenue Jacques Chirac
Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer
Phone +33(0)4 9804 4400
www.domainedurayol.org

Sacha Guitry Park in Cap d’Ail: charm and tranquility

He had wit, charm, a certain self-esteem and a taste for beautiful things. Born in Saint Petersburg, playwright Sacha Guitry, like many other artists, loved the sun-drenched landscapes of the Riviera – so much so that he lived in a magnificent villa in Cap d’Ail, on the coastal path leading to the Principality of Monaco. Built in 1904, the villa, known as Villa Gioia Mia, was renamed by Sascha “Les Funambules” (Tightrope Walkers), in reference to his childhood in the actor’s family. He wrote his many plays here, full of caustic and devastating humor. This oasis of calm, greenery and stunning views of the Mediterranean gave him comfort and inspiration.

A park named after the writer was eventually created over this Belle Epoque house. These enchanting gardens are a tribute to the natural elegance of this extraordinary man.

As soon as you enter Boulevard François de May, you will notice an imposing banana tree. As you slowly descend towards the sea, you will be greeted by Aleppo pines, holm oaks and a carob tree, whose dry seeds serve as a carat measure for jewelers. Then you will see a beautiful “Cycas revoluta” (dwarf palm) planted in the middle of endemic ferns and delicate greenery. A small path takes us under a pergola with fragrant jasmine and then into typically Mediterranean plantations: olives, carob trees, agaves, aloe, myrtles and succulents…

On the way back, enjoy the view of the snow-white façade of “Les Funambules” standing out against the azure sea. You will be reminded of the famous Sacha Guitry film: “Let’s make a dream” …

Park Sacha Guitry
Boulevard François de May, Cap d’Ail
Open from 8am to 6pm