Visit La Pomme d'Ambre
The Pomme d'Ambre garden is situated at Frejus on the Cote d'Azur in the south of France. The garden was voted one of the preferred gardens of the French in 2013 (Le Jardins Préféré des Francais 2013) in a competition run by a French TV chanel - France 2.
Explore La Pomme d'Ambre
The garden, La Pomme d'Ambre, was created by Nicole Arboireau, a well known French gardener. The garden which covers about 2000 square meters has been opened to the public for over 15 years. The garden is built on a slope on the French Riviera.
To accommodate the slope a series of terraces have been created and it is a real pleasure meandering through these and admiring the gardening skills that have gone into this gem of a garden.
With more than 700 species the garden has the typical informal exuberance which caracterises cottage gardening. The garden contains many traditional cottage plants such as kerria, aquilegias and dicentra but also many exotics common to the region such as the beautiful tall blue echiums.
Many of the plants in the garden began life as cuttings that Nicole took from plants in the surrounding area which has made sure the garden is grounded in its local habitat and has a predominantly mediterranean influence.
Plants and trees that abound in the Mediterranean such as mimosas, eucalyptus, wisteria and bougainvillea are repeating elements in the Pomme d'Ambre garden.
The garden is also home to collections of ancient varieties of roses of the Cote d'Azur such as the Nabonnand roses, to the type of cystis that grows wild on the local hills and to exotic sages which are particularly suited to the local climate.
The area of garden close to the house is particularly delightful with a day bed covered in colourful cushions and surrounded by pots of plants and climbers on the lovely patio area.
Nicole Arboireau gardens without chemicals and her garden has been classified as a refuge for the protection of birds. Nicole and her garden have regularly featured in magazines and television programmes.
La Pomme d'Ambre garden guide
The Pomme d'Ambre is situated on the French Riviera. It is open to groups all year round by reservation only.The garden is open every year for the "Rendez Vous au Jardin" at the begining of June and the "Jours du Patrimoine" in mid September.
The cost is 10 euros for adults and free to children.
Address: Jardin La Pomme d'Ambre, 64 impasse de l'ancienne route d'Italie, La tour de Mare, 83600 Fréjus, France
Gardens to visit nearby
Eze is one of our favourite places in the whole of France and at the top of the village with fabulous views is the Jardin Exotique d'Eze full of mature cacti and succulents.
The Villa and gardens Ephrussi de Rothschild is one of France's top gardens and a treat to visit.
The nearby Domaine du Rayol is another garden specialising in Mediterranean plants and has lovely views over the rugged coast.
You can find more local travel ideas in the South East France guide,
Photos of La Pomme d'Ambre
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Map of La Pomme d'Ambre and places to visit
La Pomme d'Ambre places to visit
Domaine du Rayol
The Domaine Du Rayol near Saint Tropez has gardens for each location in the world with a Mediterranean climate.
Domaine du Rayol guide
Villa and gardens Ephrussi de Rothschild
The gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild are simply magnificent and cover a whole range of styles.
Villa and gardens Ephrussi de Rothschild guide
Jardin Exotique d'Eze
The Jardin Exotique d'Eze sits at the top of the stunning village of Eze and you can enjoy the views amongst the amazing cacti and succulents of the garden.
Jardin Exotique d'Eze guide
Jardin Exotique de Monaco
The Jardin Exotique de Monaco is a stunning setting with fabulous views and the garden has a beautiful collection of cacti and succulents.
Jardin Exotique de Monaco guide
Gardens du Chateau Val Joanis
The Gardens of the Chateau Val Joanis near to Aix en Provence includes parterres of box filled with perennials and a decorative vegetable garden.
Gardens du Chateau Val Joanis guide
