A Whimsical Botanical Escape Along the French Riviera

If your heart beats a little faster at the sight of sculptural succulents, towering cacti, lush palm trees and sun-drenched landscapes where desert dreams meet Mediterranean charm, you’re in for a treat. Here are 3 unforgettable places every plant lover must add to their French Riviera itinerary.

1. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France

Botanical Romance Meets Belle Époque Elegance

While the Villa is better known for its pink façade and refined gardens, cacti and succulent lovers will find plenty to admire in the landscape too.

Designed by Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, this dreamy estate feels like a living art piece—complete with themed gardens, lily ponds, and Mediterranean-inspired plantings.

The Spanish Garden in particular stands out with its arid palette—featuring sculptural yuccas, agaves, and other drought-tolerant beauties that echo a soft desert vibe. Paired with ocean views and romantic architectural backdrops, it's a sensory delight for anyone who finds beauty in botanical structure.

Why it's worth the stop:

• Lush gardens divided into themed outdoor “rooms”.
• Subtle desert-inspired plantings in a sophisticated setting.
• Ideal for slow walks, photo shoots, or even a dreamy proposal.

Pro Tip: Bring your best lens—the villa's scenic garden paths and terraces offer some of the most photogenic moments on the Côte d’Azur.

2. Éze Village & Exotic Garden – Éze, France

A Medieval Jewel with a Cactus Crown

Tucked high in the hills between Nice and Monaco, the medieval village of Éze feels like a fairytale frozen in time.

Cobblestone streets wind through stone buildings, artisan boutiques, and tiny cafés—but the true treasure waits at the very top: the Jardin Exotique d’Éze.

Built on the ruins of an old château, this cliffside garden showcases rare cacti and succulents growing amongst ancient ruins and stone sculptures. 

The views from the summit? Unforgettable. The turquoise sea stretches endlessly into the horizon, with wind-swept plants and sun-bleached stone all around you.

What makes it magical:

• A botanical garden inside a medieval village.
• Remarkable harmony between natural beauty and historic charm.
• Breathtaking views of the Côte d’Azur from 429 meters above sea level.

Fun Fact: This garden specializes in species adapted to arid climates—perfect for desert plant lovers and dry garden enthusiasts. Wear comfy shoes as the cobblestones/stones may be slippery.

3. Jardin Exotique de Monaco – Monaco, Monaco

An Eden Bathed in Light and Suspended Above the Sea

Perched on a cliffside high above the principality, the Jardin Exotique de Monaco is truly a masterpiece of landscape design—and a haven for succulent and cacti aficionados.

Think towering agaves, spiky euphorbias, and rare cactus species curling and twisting in every direction.

This dramatic garden is stitched together by winding stone paths, bridges, and hidden staircases that reveal breathtaking vistas at every turn. 

We arrived way before golden hour and were absolutely mesmerized, though in hindsight, we wished we had come later and stayed longer to capture that magical soft light dancing through the cacti.

The garden offers a sweeping panorama that stretches from the sparkling blue waters of the French Riviera to the distant hills of Italy.

Why it's a must-see:

• Hundreds of cactus and succulent species from the world’s arid regions.
• Cliffside views and dramatic photo ops around every bend.
• A mild microclimate that allows exotic plants to thrive year-round.

Travel Tip: Wear comfy shoes! The garden's vertical layout means lots of walking and descending through terraced paths.

Add a Touch of the Côte d’Azur’s Cactus Magic to Your Space

The Côte d’Azur may be famous for glitz and glamour, but for us, it was the unexpected desert-meets-sea moments that truly stole the show. From cliff-perched cacti to succulent-lined stairways, these dreamy destinations prove that you can find boho botanical inspiration anywhere.

And guess what? You don’t have to road-trip through the Riviera to bring that same whimsical plant magic into your own space. 

If you're a little cactus crazy (no judgment, we are too!), we’ve got you covered. Whether you swoon over spiky barrel cacti, can’t get enough of succulent rosettes, or love the quirky charm of the prickly pear, our handmade cactus and succulent decor pillows are here to turn your home or nursery into a mini desert dreamscape.

Explore our collections and let your love for plants bloom in the coziest, most whimsical way. Add a touch of the Côte d’Azur’s cactus magic to your space—without the passport. 

We’d love to see how you style your space with our desert-inspired decor. Tag @bohobabyheaven on Instagram and show us your very own plant paradise!

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Tags: French Riviera Itinerary, Provence Itinerary, Must-See Places for Plant and Cactus Lovers in the South of France, Unique Handmade Boho Cactus Decor, Boho Home Decor Inspiration, Desert-Themed Home and Nursery Ideas, Boho Home Decor Essentials, Handcrafted Boho Charm and Eco-Friendly Home Decor Essentials