Discover Nature’s Playgrounds for Activity and Education
(11-minute read)
Secret gardens in the South of France offer incredible opportunities for relaxation, education, and family adventures. These secret gardens, often hidden from view and off the usual tourist track, are botanical sanctuaries – visually stunning with an array of activities that can engage children of all ages in cultural immersion that envelopes art, history, and heritage. In Occitanie, you’ll find many of southern France’s most exquisite examples of these delightful attractions.
In this article we take a brief look at some of the best, and suggest a few nature activities for multi-generational family holidays that want to make the most of these sumptuous spaces.
Key Takeaways
Southern France’s secret gardens in Occitanie offer enriching educational and recreational opportunities, including:
- Medieval Gardens: Rich in history, ideal for educational family holidays.
- Exotic and Mediterranean Gardens: Diverse flora providing sensory experiences.
- Lush and Fragrant Gardens: Vibrant blooms and aromatic plants create immersive visits.
- Cultural and Artistic Gardens: Blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- English-Style Gardens: Traditional English landscaping with educational activities.
All of this and more is within easy reach of Country Kids – the perfect location for an unforgettable family holiday.
Medieval Gardens
Occitanie is steeped in history, and the secret gardens hidden away in the grounds of Medieval castles and abbeys are ideal for those seeking educational holidays as well as adventure and activities. Learn about life in centuries gone past, discover medieval botany, and marvel at architecture that has stood the test of time.
Fontfroide Abbey
Situated near Narbonne, Fontfroide Abbey boasts an enduring history and a beautifully preserved medieval garden. The abbey’s secret gardens feature a diverse range of plants that thrive in the Mediterranean climate. The historical context adds a layer of intrigue as your family wanders along the ancient paths.
Saint-André Abbey Gardens
Located in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, the Saint-André Abbey Gardens are known for their architectural splendour and lush greenery. Families can enjoy interactive tours that highlight the garden’s historical and botanical significance.
The Secret Gardens of Cahors
Nestled in the Lot region, The Secret Gardens of Cahors are a series of hidden green spaces each with its own unique theme. These secret gardens are perfect for children, offering a variety of experiences as they explore historical and botanical themes.
Colombier Castle Garden
The Colombier Castle Garden, located in the heart of the Tarn-et-Garonne, combines medieval mystique with natural beauty. Interactive experiences such as knight-themed treasure hunts captivate young minds, making history come alive amidst the verdant surroundings.
Exotic and Mediterranean Gardens
Exotic and Mediterranean gardens in Occitanie showcase a variety of plants from different climates and regions, providing a sensory feast for visitors. These gardens offer families an opportunity to explore a wide range of flora. The lush environments and stunning vistas make these secret gardens perfect for educational and leisurely outings.
Roquebrun Garden
Roquebrun Garden, often called the ‘Mediterranean Garden of the Hérault’, features an array of exotic plants. The garden’s elevated position also offers breathtaking views that parents and children alike will appreciate in this secret garden.
Antique Garden in Balaruc-les-Bains
Known for its healing herbs, the Antique Garden in Balaruc-les-Bains provides a unique sensory experience. The garden’s focus on therapeutic plants adds an educational twist to the visit.
Mas de la Serre Garden in Banyuls-sur-Mer
Set on the slopes overlooking the sea, Mas de la Serre Garden offers both stunning views and diverse plant life. This secret garden is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Lush and Fragrant Gardens
Many of the secret gardens in Occitanie are renowned for their vibrant blooms and aromatic plants. These gardens create an immersive experience where visitors can engage their senses and learn about various plant species. Ideal for family visits, such secret gardens provide educational tours and interactive activities that highlight the beauty and diversity of the region’s flora.
Jardin des Paradis
Located in Cordes-sur-Ciel, the Jardin des Paradis is a garden of themed sections, each designed to engage the senses. Families can explore various areas, and educational tours are also available, teaching children about the different plant species and ecosystems in this secret garden.
Martels Gardens
Martels Gardens in Giroussens are known for their extensive collection of plants and flowers. Seasonal blooms create a vibrant display that changes throughout the year.
Palm Grove in Le Sarthou in Gers
The secret garden of the Palm Grove in Le Sarthou in Gers features an impressive collection of exotic palms. The garden also offers shaded areas perfect for family picnics and relaxing afternoons.
Bamboo Garden in Ariège
The Bamboo Garden in Ariège is a magical place with towering bamboo forests. Children can enjoy navigating through bamboo mazes and learning about the different species of bamboo.
Cultural and Artistic Gardens
Cultural and artistic gardens in Occitanie blend natural beauty with cultural heritage, offering a unique exploration of art and history through horticulture. These secret gardens often feature-themed sections inspired by different artistic movements and cultural stories, making them both educational and visually captivating.
Japanese Garden in Compans-Cafarelli
Located in Toulouse, the Japanese Garden is a tranquil oasis designed to promote peace and relaxation. Families can partake in traditional Japanese activities such as tea ceremonies and Zen garden raking. The garden’s serene environment offers a perfect backdrop for quiet contemplation and family bonding.
French-Style Gardens
There is something particularly delightful about classic French landscaping, and you’ll discover the ‘je ne sais quoi’ when you explore the secret gardens that encapsulate French horticultural style. These secret gardens often feature symmetrical layouts, ornate flower beds, and carefully manicured lawns that create a sense of order and grandeur.
Perfect for families, these gardens offer a historical journey through horticultural artistry, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks while appreciating the intricate designs and learning about the historical significance of these verdant masterpieces.
Berbie Palace Gardens
The Berbie Palace Gardens in Albi are a masterpiece of French formal garden design. With meticulously maintained lawns and ornate flower beds, these secret gardens provide an educational walk through history.
Jardin de l’Evêché
Situated in Castres, the Jardin de l’Evêché features beautiful sculpted gardens. Kid-friendly tours highlight the various sculptures and plant species, making the visit both informative and entertaining.
Fontaine Gardens
Located in Nîmes, the Fontaine Gardens are famous for their ancient water features and statues. Families can enjoy leisurely walks while children engage in activities like water-themed scavenger hunts. The historical context adds depth to the garden’s natural beauty.
English-Style Gardens
English-style gardens in Occitanie offer a unique blend of traditional English landscaping within the French countryside. You’ll discover extensive lawns, colourful flower beds, and intricate designs, combining to provide a serene and picturesque setting for family visits. They are perfect for leisurely strolls and offer various educational activities related to horticulture and garden design.
Royal Garden and Jardin des Plantes in Toulouse
The Royal Garden and its neighbour the Jardin des Plantes offer a blend of traditional English garden design with French flair. Families can explore extensive walking paths, thematic flower beds, and interactive installations that make the visit engaging for all ages.
Canal du Midi Museum & Gardens, Near Revel
Near Revel, the Canal du Midi Museum & Gardens are secret gardens with a difference, offering a historical perspective on the famous canal. Children can participate in educational workshops that focus on the canal’s history and its impact on the region’s flora and fauna. The gardens provide a lush setting for these activities, enhancing the learning experience.
Keeping Your Kids Engaged in the Secret Gardens of Occitanie
While the secret gardens of southern France provide the perfect backdrop for an afternoon’s leisurely stroll, they also offer much more for families with kids who can become bored easily if they aren’t kept active. You’ll find that each of the gardens we’ve mentioned in this article offer a variety nature-oriented family activities, from family workshops to educational tours, and more (even wine tasting for the adults!).
There are also many activities that you can build into your visits to the region’s secret gardens, taking a leaf out of our book and copying a few of the nature activities your kids will enjoy at Country Kids. These include:
· Bug Hunt
Kids love bug hunts! Our secret gardens are teeming with various insects, providing an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about different species and their roles in the ecosystem. Take a bug box and magnifying glass, maybe a picture sheet of bugs to find, and let you kids explore nature in miniature.
· Nature Mandalas with Wood Sticks, Stones, and Leaves
Encourage your kids to unleash their artistic and creative selves as they uncover the difference between city life and country life in southern France. Creating nature mandalas is an artistic and meditative activity that kids enjoy.
Using materials found within the secret gardens, such as wood sticks, stones, and leaves, children can create beautiful patterns on the ground – a perfect accompaniment to a relaxing picnic, and an activity that fosters creativity and a deeper connection with nature.
· Sensory Herbal Trek
A sensory herbal trek allows kids to engage all the senses fully. Guided tours can focus on identifying various herbs by their scent, texture, and appearance. This activity not only educates children about different plants, but also enhances their sensory awareness in these secret gardens.
The Enchanting Impact of Botanical Adventures in Occitanie’s Secret Gardens
Exploring the secret gardens of Occitanie is more than a family day out. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature and each other. Botanical adventures can enrich your kids’ education, stimulating their senses and helping to create lasting memories.
But prepare yourself for a surprise. Instigate a bug hunt, herbal trek, or mandala session, and it could be your kids teaching you from what they have learned when taking part in our nature activities at Country Kids.
When you’re based at Country Kids, all of these hidden gems are within reach – and we can help you plan your time, taking the strain of booking tickets and knowing which is the best of the secret gardens for you to visit.
What are you waiting for? Book your all-inclusive family holiday with Country Kids to enjoy all that southern France has to offer, including its incredible secret gardens.
