The Domaine du Rayol is one of the most beautiful sites on the Var coast, located in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, between Le Lavandou and St Tropez. It takes its name from the stream that winds through its terraced slopes covered with cork oaks, mimosas and pines. A vestige of an historic era, the Domaine du Rayol was created at the start of the 20th century. Its magnificent exotic gardens stretch up to the coast. A marine path explores the deep marine fauna of the Mediterranean.
The history of Domaine du Rayol or Mediterranean garden
The Domaine du Rayol or the Jardin des Méditerranées, is located in the French department of Var, on the Corniche des Maures. The garden presents essences from areas of the Mediterranean biome. The estate was created in the early 1900s by the Parisian banker and painter Alfred-Théodore Courmes and his wife Thérèse. It was the architect Guillaume Tronchet who designed the garden. The Domaine du Rayol or the Jardin des Méditerranées bears the Label “Heritage of the 20th century” and was listed as a historic monument in 1994. This garden presents all Mediterranean styles, in particular Californian, South African, Australian, Chilean and New Zealanders. The fig tree bay of Domaine du Rayol is the starting point for aquatic walks in summer. This discovery will allow you to discover the richness of the underwater flora and fauna of the region. The Domaine du Rayol has repeatedly escaped several real estate projects. The Conservatoire du littoral acquired the garden in 1989 and the Domaine du Rayol association was created. Until today, this organization continues to manage the Domaine du Rayol.
The association of Domaine de Rayol and Le Conservatoire du littoral
The Domaine du Rayol association has been protecting and managing the garden since 1989. The estate has 85% financial autonomy, thanks to tourism. Since its opening, the Mediterranean garden has welcomed 1.5 million visitors and employs around thirty people. The Domaine du Rayol opens its doors 364 days a year. It is labeled “tourism quality” and “remarkable garden”. The Conservatoire du littoral plays a role in the national environmental strategy and the acquisition of land on maritime coasts. The organization also develops and maintains the biological and natural richness of the coast. The Conservatoire du littoral preserves 1,450 coasts (193,275 hectares), manages 700 sites, employs 180 agents, 250 site managers and 9,000 coast guards.
