The fascinating world of plants and beautiful gardens

In the Luberon

The Plants and Gardens Road in the Luberon (35 km)
Spring ahs warmed the earth. The beautifully tended rows of cherry trees are bursting with blossom. The vineyards are sprouting and the poppies are preparing a brilliant red for the countryside at large. Flower markets and plant fairs transform the villages into life-size bouquets. In the Vaucluse countryside – paradise of aromatic herbs – a simple stroll becomes a botanical outing …

Pertuis. Here is where our flowery itinerary begins.
The gardens at Chateau Val Joanis are full of colour, vim and vigour.

Then on we go to Cavaillon, following the Durance river. The Lauris château perched atop the hill overlooks the valley. The castle gardens have been planted in well-tended terraces. Here we discover the fabulous Conservatory Garden of Dye Plants, which has over three hundred species from the world over, past and present. Madderwort, Pastel, Solidago, Indigo, Cosmos… and countless other plants which all share extraordinary colouring power.  Here, learn about these plants’ dye capacities, their defense strategies, how they attract infra-red rays in the event of frost and and how they combat competing plants.

Opens in May.

www.couleurgarance.com

Further north, the village of Lourmarin beckons, with its narrow winding streets, the lovely stone homes and the Renaissance castle. Ranked as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, a visit here is sheer pleasure. A few kilometres outside of Lourmarin stands the Ferme de Gerbaud, with 25 hectares of aromatic and medicinal plants. A lovely stroll through the fields lasts 1 ½ hours, and enables visitors to learn about the plants’ properties and uses in cooking, herbal teas and essential oils.

Tel. +33(0)4 90 68 11 83
www.plantes-aromatiques-provence.com

This little outing ends in the village of  Ansouis, at the castle belonging to the Sabran Pontevès family. The castle is in the heart of the village and has belonged to the same family for over a thousand years. The castle gardens have been planted with terraced, sculpted boxwood trees. There is an 18th century English-style grove and an aquatic garden – all contributing to the very special charm here.