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High in the mountains of Haute-Provence and the Alpes-Maritimes, the parallel canyons of the Gorges du Cians and the Gorges du Dalius are awesome ravines, carved by icy fast-flowing streams running down from wine-red cliffs. The main landmark is the Gardienne des Gorges, a huge boulder shaped like a woman’s head, standing at the north end of the Gorges du Dalius (see Gorges du Cians).

The clifftop village of Gourdon, set in rugged limestone country, stands above the dramatic Gorges du Loup, the most accessible of the gorges and canyons that slash through this craggy landscape. The Loup stream plunges over high cascades and has carved deep potholes such as the Saut du Loup (“Wolf’s Leap”) (see Gorges du Loup).

The walking possibilities amid these forests, valleys and peaks are magnificent. Among the best is the two-hour trek from Collobrières to the Chartreuse de la Verne monastery (see p79).

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.

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).

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).