Stéphane Marie

From grand formal French gardens with meticulously sculpted topiaries to the poetry of a bohemian country estate, and from a botanical kitchen garden to an exotic tropical oasis on the Mediterranean coast, French gardening expert and television presenter Stéphane Marie invites readers on a tour of his favorite gardens across France. His encounters with passionate gardeners who have cultivated their plots with creativity highlight France's incredibly varied microclimates and offer inspiration for nature lovers everywhere. This beautifully curated title brings together twenty-seven stunning gardens spanning ten French regions, selected both for their originality and the richness of their flora. Marie details the design history and creation of each garden, accompanied with detailed sections on the plants, flowers, and trees that make them unique. Visitors are welcome at each of these gardens, and the chapters are completed with practical information and tips on how to plan your visit.

Stroll past the flowers, plants, sculptures, and charming parterres in twenty-five gardens of Paris, to discover France's history, culture, and botanical diversity through these open-air museums. From the most famous gardens-Versailles, Luxemburg, or Tuileries-to the hidden leafy gems-such as the Château de Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard vegetable gardens, the Bourdelle museum's sculpture garden, or the Albert Kahn Japanese-style garden-this guide takes readers on a cultural tour of France through twenty-five spectacular gardens in and around Paris. French garden expert and television presenter Stephane Marie takes readers through the most beloved gardens in central Paris and the surrounding countryside in this informative guide. The history and conception of each garden is explained, providing fascinating cultural and botanical context. Practical details and insightful sidebars help visitors discover the notable features of each garden, and the extensive illustrations that accompany the text offer the armchair traveler a splendid virtual tour. Marie explains the origins of the garden's name as well as the stories behind its sculptures, parterre gardens, botanical collections, fountains, and other follies present in each site. Garden aficionados will marvel at the natural diversity present in these gardens, with details on the specificities of plants, flowers, and trees. From vast parks to private gardens, communal plots to the grounds of historical monuments, this reference guide offers an extensively illustrated selection of the most exceptional gardens in and around Paris, including drawings and photographs along with opening hours, prices, and what to do when visiting.