Amid urban pollution, traffic congestion, and the constant noise of city life—plus overcrowding and limited space—living in big cities can be exhausting. That's why I make time for regular nature escapes to recharge.
You don't need to travel far to immerse yourself in nature, away from urban clamor and poor air quality. Often, stunning green spaces are right in your region, department, or even neighborhood. As someone who loves strolling through botanical parks and gardens, I've found France brimming with them—public and private alike. In fact, France boasts one of Europe's highest concentrations of gardens. For curated recommendations, check out the garden visits featured on this site.
We're truly fortunate. In my own region alone, I've explored four standout ones.
If you're visiting Marseille or nearby areas, the Domaine de Charance offers a breathtaking English-style garden. For contemporary art amid greenery, head to the Éguilles Garden, labeled "Jardin Remarquable" since 2005, showcasing works by artist Max Sauze.
Green tourism means minimizing your environmental footprint during vacations. It wasn't easy for me at first to break old habits, but with patience, I adapted quickly. To cut greenhouse gases, I now skip far-flung spots requiring flights and focus on reachable destinations.
I favor French cities accessible by carpooling or train. Drawn to fresh air and floral havens, I seek out places with beautiful gardens. As a committed eco-traveler, I book only certified green accommodations bearing labels like the European Ecolabel, Green Key, Accueil Paysan, or Éco-gîte.
Choose nature-friendly activities too—you won't be bored. Beyond garden tours, I enjoy hiking, catch-and-release fishing, and buying souvenirs from local artisans.
