There is no better way to enjoy the impending arrival of spring than by spending time in some of Europe’s most exquisite gardens. Across the continent, there are magnificent gardens that are easily accessible by rail. In truth, most capitals have immaculate parks and thriving flowerbeds. Here are ten gardens in Europe that are well worth the extra effort.
1. Giverny, France
Several of French artist’s Monet’s most well-known works were influenced by Giverny. It is a wonderfully kept garden in Normandy that is laid out in a pleasing grid and has a variety of plants. The majority of visitors come here to see the green arch bridge, which is arguably the most well-known garden cliché of all time. Few people depart unhappily.
2. Generalife, Spain
The magnificent Generalife gardens and the historic Alhambra in Granada are must-sees. The views of Granada, the usage of water fountains, and the wonderful flora are amazing, even though they may not be as convenient as other gardens in Europe, like those in France or the United Kingdom.
3. La Bagatelle, France
There are many parks in Paris. La Bagatelle in the capital manages to stand out in spite of this. It is a tiny chateau from Marie-reign Antoinette that is surrounded by an English-style garden. The rose garden, which was created in 1905, is the park’s main attraction and is located in the center of the property.
4. Isola Bella, Italy
Beautiful landscape Isola Bella is only reachable by boat. It is located in the center of Lake Maggiore. It is the second-largest lake in the nation, and it borders Switzerland. The construction of the villa and garden took 40 years. It is an interesting place to visit because of its distinctive features, design, and fashion.
5. Dessau-Wörlitz, Germany
Southwest of Berlin, close to Dessau, is a 300-acre garden known as the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz. A sizable English landscape garden, it transports visitors via a variety of vistas and feelings while exuding British charm. The garden, which is almost one-third water, offers a peaceful haven from the nearby hectic capital.
6. Keukenhof, Netherlands
There are many people with green thumbs in the Netherlands. This is especially clear in the spring when the tulip season brightens the landscape. The magnificent Keukenhof Garden in Lisse is the ideal location to see this.
Around seven million bulbs in hundreds of different types are spread across roughly 80 acres of land there. There are many different flower species on show, in addition to tulips, which is enough to invigorate even the weariest traveler.
7. Petrin Gardens, Czech Republic
Petrin Gardens may provide some of the best panoramic views of Prague from the funicular journey there, but once you are there, you will forget all about the busy city below. On Petrin Hill, there are five gardens, including the well-known rose and lavender garden, a magical mirror maze, and even an observatory.
8. Eyrignac Manor Gardens, France
Since a few years ago, devotees of well-trimmed hedges and properly maintained plants have been traveling to the Eyrignac Manor Gardens in the Dordogne. There are many different shapes and patterns in these sculptured gardens that were influenced by the Italian Renaissance. There are also more natural gardens with a variety of roses, dahlias, and cosmos, as well as fruit and vegetables.
9. Vigeland Park, Norway
One of the biggest sculpture parks in the world, Vigeland Park in Oslo, is devoted to a single artist. Around the 80-acre estate are numerous sculptures by Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. Even if it is more of an outdoor museum than a blossoming garden, this well-selected site is nonetheless worthwhile spending a morning there.
10. Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey, France
Few flower views are as spectacular as the lavender fields of France. The Sénanque Abbey is an unobtrusive yet captivating focal point in Provence, despite the fact that there are other locations from which to explore these landscapes. Lavender is grown on the estate by the monks who reside at Sénanque, and in June and July, it reaches all the way to the abbey’s doors.
