Watch Monty Don's French Gardens

Monty Don's French Gardens is a delightful show that follows Monty Don, a British gardening expert, as he travels across France to explore some of the most beautiful gardens the country has to offer. Produced by Lion TV, this series takes us on a journey through time and space as we discover the rich history and culture of French gardening.

Monty Don's French Gardens is a six-part series that covers different regions of France, each with its unique landscape and gardening traditions. In every episode, Monty Don visits three different gardens, ranging from grand estates to small village plots, and meets with their owners and gardeners to learn about the history, design, and techniques used to create them.

The series starts in Normandy, where Monty Don visits the gardens of Giverny, which inspired the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. He then travels to the Loire Valley, where he discovers the royal gardens of Villandry and the chateau gardens of Chenonceau, both of which are considered architectural masterpieces of the Renaissance era.

From there, Monty Don moves on to the Mediterranean coast, where he visits the exotic gardens of the Cote d'Azur, including the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a pink palace surrounded by nine different themed gardens. He then goes to the Dordogne region, where he explores the medieval gardens of Marqueyssac and the prehistoric gardens of Terrasson, both of which are located on limestone cliffs with spectacular views of the valley below.

The penultimate episode takes Monty Don to the Auvergne region, known for its volcanic landscapes and picturesque villages. Here, he discovers the gardens of the Chateau d'Ainay-le-Vieil, which date back to the 12th century, and the sublime Parc des Oiseaux, a bird sanctuary with over 3,000 birds from around the world.

Finally, Monty Don concludes his journey in Provence, where he explores the lavender fields of Sault and the gardens of the Villa Noailles, a modernist house designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens in the 1920s. He also visits the stunning gardens of La Louve, created by the famous designer Nicole de Vésian, and the Petite Provence nursery, where he learns about the art of growing olive trees.

Throughout the series, Monty Don provides insightful commentary on the history and culture of French gardening, as well as practical tips and advice for amateur gardeners. He also shares his own gardening philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of place and harmony between the natural and built environment.

One of the most appealing aspects of Monty Don's French Gardens is the sheer variety of gardens that he visits, each with its distinctive style and character. From formal French parterres to wild English-style gardens, there is something for everyone in this series. Moreover, the show is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography that captures the beauty and essence of each garden.

In summary, Monty Don's French Gardens is an enchanting show that celebrates the art of French gardening and the people behind it. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or simply enjoy beautiful landscapes and cultural history, this series is a must-see.

Monty Don's French Gardens is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between February 1, 2013 and on Lion TV