Flower Tourism in Europe where to see Europe in Bloom

Flower tourism (travelling to see flowers around the world) may not be a phrase you have ever heard but many of us stand in awe of some of the most gorgeous flowers where ever they are in the world. From the cherry trees of Washington to the tulips and bulbs of Holland flower tourism is everywhere.

There is no one spot to see the best flowers in the world, luckily we live on a planet that has hundreds of thousands of places where flowers grow wild or cultivated. 

the Dutch tulip fields flower tourism

When we go travelling around the world some of the most visited places are gardens whether they are on grand estates like Powerscourt in Ireland or the Alhambra in Spain we go for our love of flowers and the beauty they bring into our lives. The almonds and cherry tree blossoms in Spain, daffodils in Yorkshire, tulips near Amsterdam and medieval roses in France. Springtime and summer are obviously the best times to see the annual flowers and smell the fragrant lavender fields of France but many gardens have amazing seasonal plantings that ensure a fascinating visit all year round. 

Flower Tourism in Europe

These are some of the best locations in the world to see flowers both wild and tame.

Flower tourism 17 places to see the best flower gardens in Europe

17 places for Flower Tourism

Lavender Fields in Europe

Lavender is an evocative flower that often brings memories of home, the hug of a grandmother, the aroma of an English countryside the charm of Provence and quieter more peaceful days.

Flower Tourism in Europe

Lavender blooms from June to August in the Luberon, around the Mont-Ventoux, in the region of Sault and that of Valréas; such amazing scenery and atmosphere make the lavender fields one of the summer Must-Sees in Provence.

Rows of scented lavender bushes stretch into the distance

You will also find some incredible Lavender Fields in Snowshill in the Cotwolds and even here in Yorkshire where you can sit down in a beautiful cafe and have Lavender Scones for tea.

Lavender scones in Yorkshire travelling for flowers

Daffodils in Yorkshire  

Castle Howard is a beautiful (and huge!) stately home in North Yorkshire, in the North of England.  Built during the 17th and 18th Centuries it is a magnificent building with beautiful gardens.  It’s been used as the backdrop for many films and TV pieces, most memorably for the TV and film adaptations of Brideshead Revisited.  We live quite close to Castle Howard and take the children for some fun in the adventure playground and a romp through the fabulous gardens.  We visited in late March to find the place bedecked in its very own ‘host of golden daffodils’.

Flower Tourism in Europe

Castle Howard is also famous for its rhododendrons and bluebells in later Spring. If you don’t get a chance to visit then though, there are fabulous roses in summer and the house is simply stunning at Christmas with enormous Christmas trees and twinkling lights everywhere.

Flower Tourism in Europe

There is an admission charge for both the gardens and the house or you can pay to visit both on the same day.  The website can be found at www.castlehoward.co.uk.

All around Yorkshire you will see wild daffodils blooming in the Spring from the North Yorkshire moors to the South Yorkshire dales daffodils are a true symbol of spring here in Yorkshire.

spring daffodils blooming in Yorkshire

Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands

Keukenhof is also known as the Garden of Europe. Approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted annually in the park, forming large colourful carpets of indescribable colours. The best times to go are from March through to May.

tulips, hyacinths, grape hyacinths and daffodils in Keukenhof gardens

Poppies, Italy

In May the poppies of Tuscany start to bloom, covering the countryside and olive groves in a blanket of bright red. The best area to see entire fields of these flowers is around Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just south of Siena.

Flower Tourism in Europe

The poppies grow with the agricultural seasons and are sometimes called corn poppies, but they are also the same Flanders poppies that commemorate WWI. Check out this great site for Hill Town Walks in Tuscany.

The Tour du Mont Blanc 

This is a photo experience with a difference. The Tour du Mont Blanc hike takes you through the Italian, Swiss and French Alps on a challenging but beautiful hike. The full circuit around the Mont Blanc massif took me 8 days of walking over 110 miles/170 km.

Flower Tourism in Europe

Summer is definitely the best time of year to see all the stunning alpine flowers and its great weather for hiking too. There are so many different wildflowers and the bright colours are breathtaking against the green grass and snow-topped mountains.

Some of the flowers I spotted and later found out their names included Alpine Houseleek – a pink spiky looking flower and Mountain Arnica – similar to a daisy but bright yellow. But if you really want to know all the names I would recommend taking a wildflower book with you on the walk.

Flower Tourism in Europe

I hiked as part of an organised group but you can easily complete the circuit with a good map and compass. July was a perfect time of year for both the alpine flowers and the walking conditions.

Spring Flowers in Hallerbos, Belgium

Never seen a forest covered by a purple flower carpet? Put a visit to the Hallerbos in Belgium on your bucket list. It’s magical!

Every year, when the bluebells in the Hallerbos near Brussels flower, the forest is covered in a beautiful purple carpet. They only do so for a week to 10 days each year, so plan your visit carefully. Usually, the flowering season is in the second half of April, but it can slightly vary due to the weather conditions. You’ll want to keep an eye on the Hallerbos website to stay up-to-date on the best time to visit.

Flower Tourism in Europe

There’s no entrance fee to see the flowering bluebells in the Hallerbos in Belgium. You’re just asked politely to stay on the path at all times since a bluebell that’s been stepped on won’t be able to sprout again. Just one simple common-sense rule to help preserve the beauty of the Hallerbos!

Flower Tourism in Europe

Literally, the entire Hallerbos is covered in bluebells, so you’ll want to choose the right walking track to see as much bluebell-covered forest as possible. There’s one designed especially for that: the Bluebell Walk. It’s a 7 km loop track taking you along oceans of bluebells, with plenty of photo opportunities. Make sure you have a full battery when starting the walk!

Best places in Europe to see flowers

Monet’s Garden (France)

Monet garden in Giverny France is the inspiration behind Claude Monet’s famous water lily paintings. The Water Garden with its Japanese bridge and lily pond is iconic, while the Clos Normand garden features a colorful array of flowers, including roses, irises, and wisterias.

Flower Tourism in Europe

His paintings of flowers, and lilies and his garden were and are an inspiration for both painters and gardeners and are one of the most visited sites in France. Monet spent most of his time at Giverny from 1883 until his death in 1926. As a teenager I didn’t have rock stars on my walls I had prints of Monet’s Water Lilies and dreamt of seeing his inspirational gardens in real life.

Flower Tourism in Europe

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (United Kingdom)

Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous botanical gardens in the world. It boasts over 50,000 species of plants and several iconic glasshouses, such as the Palm House and Temperate House. The garden is known for its rhododendrons, magnolias, and orchids.

Palm House, Kew Gardens, London

Gardens of Versailles (France)

The Gardens of Versailles are renowned for their opulent landscaping, featuring manicured lawns, grand fountains, and intricate geometric flower beds. The Orangery Parterre and Fountain of Apollo are standout features, with seasonal flowers like tulips and roses.

Visitors enjoy a serene atmosphere as they gather admiringly around the beautiful fountain in the enchanting Versailles garden, during their Paris day trip.

Powerscourt Gardens (Ireland)

Powerscourt is a vast estate with meticulously designed gardens. The Italian Garden, Japanese Garden, and Walled Garden offer an array of flowers such as roses, azaleas, and rhododendrons. The estate also provides stunning views of the Sugarloaf Mountain.

Flower Tourism in Europe

Jardim Botânico da Madeira (Portugal)

Madeira is known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” and its botanical garden features an exotic variety of tropical and subtropical plants. Expect vibrant orchids, bird-of-paradise flowers, and bougainvillea, set against panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Flower Tourism in Europe
©Leo-setä, CC BY 2.0

Mount Stewart Gardens (UK – Northern Ireland)

Mount Stewart Gardens, located in County Down, Northern Ireland, are renowned for their stunning beauty and unique design. Surrounding the 19th-century Mount Stewart House, these gardens are a blend of formal and informal styles, featuring a wide variety of exotic plants due to the mild climate of the region. The gardens, meticulously restored, offer visitors lush terraces, vibrant flowerbeds, and serene lakeside walks, reflecting the vision of Edith, Lady Londonderry, who designed them in the 1920s.

Flower Tourism in Europe

Bispebjerg Cemetery (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Bispebjerg Cemetery is renowned for its stunning cherry blossom avenue. The trees form a beautiful pink tunnel, creating one of the most popular spring spots in Copenhagen for locals and visitors alike.

Flower Tourism in Europe
©Alex Berger

 Gothenburg Botanical Garden (Gothenburg, Sweden)

The Gothenburg Botanical Garden is one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe and is home to a stunning display of cherry blossoms in spring. The cherry trees are scattered throughout the park, creating beautiful spots for photography and picnics.

Flower Tourism in Europe
©Michael Caven from Stockholm, Sweden, CC BY 2.0

The Royal Mile (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Along The Meadows, near the University of Edinburgh, cherry blossoms bloom in beautiful pink rows, making it a beloved spot for locals and students. It’s one of the best places to enjoy sakura in Scotland, with picnics and leisurely strolls becoming popular as the flowers bloom.

Idyllic house at Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh. Scotland.

Princes Street Gardens, located in the heart of Edinburgh, are a picturesque public park nestled beneath the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Divided into East and West sections, the gardens were created in the 1820s after draining the Nor Loch, and now serve as a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city. The lush lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and seasonal floral displays provide a stunning contrast to the historic backdrop of the Old Town. The gardens are also home to notable landmarks such as the Ross Fountain and the Scott Monument, making them a popular spot for both relaxation and sightseeing.

Glenveagh Castle Gardens (Donegal, Ireland)

Glenveagh Castle Gardens, located in County Donegal, Ireland, are a captivating part of the Glenveagh National Park, surrounding the 19th-century Glenveagh Castle. Set amidst the rugged wilderness of the Derryveagh Mountains, the gardens contrast beautifully with their wild surroundings, featuring terraced Italian-style gardens, lush greenery, and exotic plants from around the world. Designed by Henry McIlhenny in the mid-20th century, these gardens reflect his passion for both horticulture and landscape design. Visitors can explore serene lakeside paths, colorful flowerbeds, and meticulously maintained lawns, all with sweeping views of the nearby Glenveagh Lake.

Flower Tourism in Europe

Every spring, Europe transforms into a vibrant tapestry as Europe in bloom showcases its stunning gardens and fields. If you’re keen to see Europe in bloom, the best places to see are undoubtedly the famous tulip fields of Lisse in the Netherlands, where the annual tulip festival attracts visitors from around the globe. Here, you can stroll through a beautiful spring garden filled with delicate pink and white flowers that create a breathtaking contrast against the blue skies. The best spots to admire the flowers are often found in France’s gardens, known for their beautiful blooms and flower species that exemplify the essence of spring.

flowers in underrated destinations in Europe

In 2024 and looking ahead to 2025, don’t miss the chance to visit during this magical season. The field of flowers in Luxembourg and the crocus meadows are among Europe’s most spectacular displays, providing an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Spring is the best time to explore these gardens, where beautiful flowers in full bloom will delight the eye like no other.

The happiness and joy that seeing blooming flowers brings us is a worldwide feeling. There is nothing better in spring than glimpsing those first flowers blooming in little hollows, forests and meadows across the planet. Where will you travel to for the flowers?

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Flower Tourism in Europe

Author

  • Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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