What to do and see in Charente, Nouvelle-Aquitaine: The Best Gardens

The Ephemeral Gardens flood each winter before springing back to life when the water recedes. Each year professional and amateur gardeners, artists, and associations plant and cultivate a parcel of the gardens according to a chosen theme, offering visitors a fun and colourful stroll. This year's theme is Colours and Scents - come visit the gardens in full bloom.

On the Charente Dordogne border very close to Aubeterre sur Dronne. This charming family garden on 2 hectares works in harmony with the natural world. The gardens are tended with respect for the environment and local biodiversity. Three large areas: the green rooms, the wild garden and lavender field and the lake alongside Paloma’s wood. Open from Tuesday to Sunday see. No dogs allowed. More informations and hours to www.lesjardinsducoq.com

In 1977, between Charente and Limousin, Jean-Louis Vignaud established the arboretum du Chene -Vert in Chabanais. He changed the six acres of the family property dedicated to market garden produce into a place where he can pursue his tranquil plant dream, from the granite hill to the silty banks of the River Vienne. " Because life is short and legacy long" he's gathered nearly 3000 different species and varieties from here and far away and keeps planting passionately. If you ask him he will help you find them. But the arboretum is also a place where you can meander with the sole purpose of answering the call of the beauty of a tree bathed in sunlight or in dappled shade.