There’s nothing healthier or better for you than the great outdoors. Whether you want to get out and walk the dog or go for a cycle ride, then the beautiful  and romantic gardens of Europe are some of the best parks around the globe. Below, are my favourite ones.

Allons-y !

#1 The Gardens of Ninfa, Italy

The romantic Garden of Ninfa (Giardino di Ninfa) is located in the Lazio region of Italy, about 40 miles south-east of Rome. It’s not only the most romantic garden in Europe only but in the world, Yes!

#2 Japanese Garden in Clingendael Park, The Netherlands

The Municipality of The Hague has always taken great care of the Japanese Garden because of its uniqueness and tremendous historical value. The garden was placed on the list of national historical monuments in 2001. Due to its fragility, the garden can be visited only during a short period of the year.

#3 Claude Monet Giverny Garden, France

The gardens are divided into small spaces enclosed by hedges which constitute as many little “worlds”. Each of the greenery rooms has its own harmony of colours and shapes.

#4 Pazo de Oca Gardens in Galicia, Spain

Even if you don’t sleep at the Pazo de Oca, you’ll enjoy touring the gardens which have earned the nickname of “Galicia’s Versailles.” The extensive gardens include stone fountains, an artificial lake with islands shaped like boats, topiary animals, exotic trees, Baroque follies, and more. The palace itself is a lovely backdrop, and its chapel is worth a peek. (You can book the chapel for weddings, but inquire early, because the chapel and manor house are popular with Galician couples.)

#5 Powis Castle Garden in Powys, Wales

This is one of the most amazing gardens owned by the National Trust and displays some of the most flamboyant and stylish herbaceous planting of any garden in the British Isles. The site is a marvellous one, high above Welshpool with the vast castle as background and views over the River Severn and the border countryside. The garden is famous for its tender perennials, particularly a silver artemisia named ‘Powis Castle’, which are brought on in the glasshouses over the winter and brought out in April.

#6 Jardin de Bagatelle in Paris, France

Jardin de Bagatelle is the ultimate rose garden in Europe. The story goes that the Count of Artois, brother of Louis XVI, proposed to build a folie (a bit of craziness, a flight of fancy) of grand proportions in two months. “I dare you!” retorted Marie Antoinette. “Bagatelle!” pronounced the nonchalant Count.