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On one of the most magnificent sites on the coast, Rayol offers an overview of Mediterranean-style plant life. Gathered around a pergola and long stairway, a fine mosaic of eight gardens recreates landscapes of areas of the world with Mediterranean climates.

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).

These terraced gardens were laid out in the 1750s and remain a majestic mix of French and Italian influences – ordered in the geometrical style of France, but enhanced by fountains and statuary favoured by Italy. The effect is romantic harmony.

The ruins of a fortified monastery provide a superb setting for two terraces. The first is a formal arrangement of yew and box-trees, shaded by Aleppo pines. The second features a lovely fountain and cascade.

Anglo-American Lawrence Johnston was a leader among expats who left their mark on Riviera gardens in the early 20th century. His hillside spread is so well landscaped, it barely seems structured at all. Terraces harbour enclosed spaces dedicated to themes or particular exotic plants, and there are fountains, water-gardens and a collection of statues.

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

More than 700 tropical plants crowd these terraces, established in 1905 by Lord Radcliff, the former governor of Malta. Val Rahmeh specializes in spices, wildflowers, medicinal plants and rare varieties of tomato and potato.

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).

This 7-ha (17-acre) park contains a dense, varied collection of trees: canary pines, ginkgo biloba, agave and a great selection of palms. There’s a little zoo and, in the glasshouse, tropical plants and exotic birds.

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.