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Inside Our Spring Garden Tour of the French Riviera

This past April, we returned to the Côte d’Azur for our Gardens of the French Riviera tour, a week of breathtaking landscapes, warm conversations, and unforgettable encounters.

There’s something magical about spring on the French Riviera. The days are long and golden, the gardens are waking up in full colour, and the light… well, there’s a reason the artists came here.

This year’s Gardens of the French Riviera tour was everything we had hoped for and more. From the moment we arrived, there was a shared sense of excitement and over the days that followed, we explored iconic gardens, met with inspiring owners and passionate gardeners, and enjoyed long lunches in places filled with art, stories, and soul.

Here’s a glimpse into some of the special moments we shared.

French Riviera restaurant set for service, overlooking the mountainous coast line of the Mediterranean Sea.
French Riviera garden gazebo featuring a mossy stone statue, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

©MFCH team

A Garden Welcome at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild


We began our tour in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, with a welcome lunch in the gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. There, under the soft Mediterranean light, surrounded by cypress trees and classical fountains, we gathered for a delicious meal overlooking the sea. It was the perfect way to begin, connecting over champagne and conversation, while taking in the beauty of one of the Riviera’s most romantic estates. After lunch, we wandered through the themed gardens, from the rose garden to the Florentine and Spanish gardens, each corner telling a story of elegance and refinement.

Rustic stone bird bath in lily pad covered pond surrounded by hedges and blooming garden greenery.
Blooming pink flowers, dotted with rain water on their petals and leaves.

©MFCH team

A Hidden Paradise in Grasse

One of the most moving visits of the week was our morning at Villa Fort France in Grasse, where we were warmly welcomed by the owners, Valérie Courcel and her husband. As we walked through their lush, terraced garden, it felt like stepping into a dream, peonies in bloom, towering trees, and a true artist’s eye behind every planting. Hearing Valérie speak about the evolution of the garden, and the dedication and care it takes to preserve such a haven, made the experience all the more special. It’s a place that stays with you.

An ancient frescoed wall decorated with framed photos and a religious statue, accompanied by an antique white chaise.
Simple French Riviera dining table set with linens and decorated with glasses, plates, and yellow flowers.

©MFCH team

A Legendary Lunch at La Colombe d’Or

Another highlight was our lunch at the iconic La Colombe d’Or in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. We gathered around a long table in the heart of the hotel, surrounded by original works by Picasso, Léger, and Kandinsky. The food was delicious and the setting, deeply poetic. This was more than a restaurant, it was a tribute to the Riviera’s creative past, when artists traded paintings for meals, and inspiration was part of the daily menu.

French Riviera garden beds lined with geometric hedges, featuring lush olive and Cyprus trees.
French Riviera garden with blooming potted plants, ocher benches, stone walls, and a framed mosaic.

©MFCH team

The Timeless Beauty of Jardin des Colombières

In Menton, we had the chance to visit the extraordinary Jardin des Colombières, a historic garden that feels like a dream come to life. We were welcomed by the owner, who has lovingly maintained the property for decades and now oversees an association dedicated to preserving Menton’s most beautiful gardens. With its red villa, sculpted boxwoods, and views that seemed pulled from a painting, this visit was pure poetry. Every corner of the garden was a discovery, and standing at the belvedere, with the sea and sky stretching before us, was simply unforgettable.

Le Saint-Paul hotel in the French Riviera with a charming stone walkway and outdoor seating at the entrance.
French Riviera boutique hotel bedroom with a made bed, warm accents, canopy frame, and teal patterned wallpaper.

©MFCH team

The Peace of Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Throughout the week, we stayed at the charming Hôtel Le Saint Paul, nestled within the medieval walls of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. There’s something special about waking up in a quiet village, before the galleries open and the day begins. We’d stroll the cobbled streets in the early morning, take in the views over the valley, and feel completely immersed in the calm, artistic soul of the region. It was a peaceful rhythm, one that left us feeling restored and inspired.

French Riviera garden with natural greenery, classical statues, and central stone ponds.

MFCH Travel Experiences

Coming Back in 2026: Gardens of the French Riviera

Following the success of our 2025 tour, we’re delighted to announce that Gardens of the French Riviera will return in spring 2026. From Menton to Grasse, via hidden villas and coastal villages, this immersive journey is made for garden lovers, design enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a more authentic experience of the South of France.

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