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This formal garden is a triumph of Zen horticulture and a striking contrast to the classic gardens of the Riviera.

The garden has a medieval look, planted in squares for the growing of aromatic plants for essences and medicines. More than 350 species recall the importance of plants in Provençal life.

A history-based herb garden in the centre of town that again celebrates Provence’s age-old love of aromatic plants (see Jardin Botanique des Cordeliers, Digne-les-Bains).

Laid out by English expatriate Lord Radcliffe in 1905, this garden is planted with sub-tropical shrubs. Visits by arrangement with the Maison du Patrimoine.

Baroness Rothschild’s mansion is legendary (see Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat), and its gardens of similar sumptuousness. Seven themed areas (Spanish, Florentine, Japanese and more) are rich with plants, sculptures and fountains (see Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat & Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild).

Set around a Renaissance hotel are two gardens in one. First, the Magical Plant Garden, with plants prized in Provence for their healing properties. Secondly, the Alchemist’s Garden, which uses stones, water and plants to recreate symbols alchemists used in their search for the meaning of life.

The exotic gardens planted around the clifftop village offer superb views over the sea.

The largest collection of succulent rock plants in the world. Within the gardens is a 60-m (200-ft) deep cave with spectacular limestone formations.

A collection of cactuses, succulents and other semi-desert plants – 6,000 varieties in all. Criss-crossed by a winding path, it is said to be the world’s largest such rockery (see Jardin Exotique, Monaco).

The medieval chateau, which was remodelled during the Renaissance, is flanked by terraces, each with sculpted box-trees, overseen by firs and pines.