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The Vineyards of the Minervois

KIKI GERBER of Strathtay draws this article to readers’ attention

The Languedoc region of France holds many secrets that are only now being discovered. One of these is the wonderful variety of its wild flowers and the wild beauty of their habitat. Add to this a surprising range of gardens and specialist nurseries and you have a whole new world of gardens and botanical sites to explore. We organize small group tours which are the perfect way to discover this enchanting corner of France.

Hidden Gardens Hidden France’s inclusive tour itineraries vary from the traditional to the exotic, from the formal to the “sauvage”. Accompanied by a knowledgeable and locally-based horticulturist, visits to gardens and other locations are interspersed with historical venues, wine-tasting and gourmet meals.

 The aim is to provide a taste of something different, to introduce a horticulturally undiscovered region of France stretching from the coastal region with its lagoons, to the wide expanses of vineyards on the plain and the wildness of the Montagne Noire.

The horticulturist, Gill Pound, combines the running of a nursery featuring unusual plants, with garden consultancy and courses in gardening. She is a specialist in plants for dry climates and experiments with new varieties.

Taking care of accommodation, transport and creature comforts is Liz Thompson, who has extensive experience in event organisation. Liz is also a long-time member of the globally-active Mediterranean Garden Society.

Both Liz and Gill have lived for many years in the Languedoc and know the region intimately. They take great pleasure in introducing the connoisseur to this fascinating piece of “la France profonde.”  They are happy to organise tailor-made tours for Garden Clubs or other interested groups and can be contacted at:

Hidden Gardens Hidden France, La Grande Maison , Rue des Caves Hautes , F 34210 Cesseras , France Tel: 00 33 (0)4 68 91 36 96  e-mail: info@hiddengardensfrance.com