RESERVATIONS PHONE NUMBER

01473 660800

Paris & The Gardens of André Le Nôtre

Friday 4th to Tuesday 8th September 2009

£798 per person (twin share)

£948 (single)

The French landscape architect André Le Nôtre (1613-1700) gave to the art of formal garden landscaping its most definitive and monumental expression. His style spread to every corner of Europe but nowhere can it be seen at its most definitive than in and around Paris.

Le Nôtre was born in Paris on March 12 th 1613, the son, and grandson, of gardeners who had worked at the palace of the Tuileries. He was trained in all aspects of gardening and the possibility of raising this craft to a noble art form was greatly enhanced by his study of painting under Simon Vouet and his knowledge of architecture; very possibly learned from Francois Mansart. Le Nôtre’s style was also influenced by his careful study of the writings on perspective and optics by Salomon de Caus and Pere Niceron.

Although Le Nôtre succeeded to the position of his father as chief gardener at the Tuileries in 1637 it was not until he began his work on Nicolas Fouquet’s magnificent chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte that the landscape architect became famous, his next work, that of the gardens of the palace of Versailles ensuring his place in the hierarchy of leading landscape designers of the world.

The Tour will be guided by Aurélia Rostaing, a French scholar who has made a thorough research into the archives of France of the plans, drawings and writings of Le Nôtre and 17th Century French gardens and who is regarded as one of the leading authorities on the work of Le Nôtre.

This wonderful tour has been arranged exclusively for readers of Gardens Illustrated by Arena Travel, one of the UK’s oldest and most experienced specialist tour operators that has been tailor-making top quality gardens holidays for over 30 years.

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The Gardens of South Africa

Hosted by John G Hillier

Thursday 15 th to Tuesday 27 th October 2009

£2498 per person (twin share)

£2748 per person (single)

With optional Safari Extension

Thursday 15 th to Thursday 29 th October 2009

Additional cost:

£398 per person (twin share)

£548 per person (single)

South Africa is full of delights for garden lovers. The native flora is among the richest and most exciting in the world – in fact many familiar garden plants are of South African origin – and the gardens themselves cover a breathtaking range of different styles and approaches.

On this delightful 13-day tour John Hillier will lead you on a journey of discovery in South Africa. The holiday starts in Cape Town where you will visit Kirstenbosch, the Cape of Good Hope, Stellenbosch, some delightful private gardens and enjoy wine tastings at some magnificent vineyards.

After enjoying the delights of Cape Town you will travel along the Garden Route which includes one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in southern Africa and winds its way for some 200 km via George, Wilderness, and Knysna on to Plettenberg Bay and culminating in the Tstisikamma Forest - a fairyland of giant trees, ferns and bird life. Mountains crowd close to a shoreline dotted with beaches and bays, and vividly coloured wild flowers delight the eye.

At the end of the tour you may either return to the UK or extend your holiday with an optional Safari at a privately owned and malaria-free game reserve.

John G. Hillier VMH FIH

John G. Hillier is a fourth generation nurseryman and President of Hillier Nurseries Ltd. He spent a year in American nurseries during 1957/58 and is a member of various RHS committees including the Woody Plant Committee and the Rhododendron and Camellia sub-committee. He is also President of Hampshire with Isle of Wight NCCPG, board member of the Magnolia Society International, Vice-President of the Tree Council, on the Tours Committee of the International Dendrology Society, member of the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum Advisory Committee and its Gardens Panel.

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