When we think of artists’ gardens, Claude Monet’s house in Giverny often comes to mind. It’s true that his magnificent green space is well worth the trip, especially in spring when flowers are blooming everywhere. But about two hours from the capital, there’s another artist’s garden—completely unknown—that’s still worth a visit. Head to Saint-Paul, in the Oise region, to discover André Van Beek’s garden. A painter who has transformed his private garden into a veritable multicolored gem.
A secret artist’s garden 2 hours from Paris
If you love flowers and colorful gardens, you’ll adore André Van Beek’s garden in Saint-Paul. Spanning over a hectare, you’ll discover magnificent plants blooming with poetic beauty. Just as in his paintings, the artist has created several spaces with different hues that inspire his art.
For 26 years, this garden has been delighting visitors from all over France. Here you’ll discover seven magnificent ponds connected by waterfalls, romantic paths, remarkable trees, and various flowers such as daffodils and tulips. This year, in fact, the garden has pulled out all the stops to dazzle you: 26,000 tulips bloom in all their glory, offering visitors an impressive palette of colors. Awarded the “remarkable garden” designation, this garden is a true ode to nature, where every season is celebrated.
Throughout your spring stroll, the garden will never cease to surprise you with its style—sometimes meticulously manicured in the English tradition, and at other times more picturesque. A surprising place, far from the tourist crowds, to explore right now.