Domaine du Rayol
83820 Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer
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 meanders through its terraced slopes covered with cork oaks, mimosas and pines. A vestige of an historic era, Domaine du Rayol was created in the early 20th century. Its magnificent exotic gardens stretch right down to the coast. A marine trail explores the deep-sea fauna of the Mediterranean.
The history of Domaine du Rayol or Mediterranean garden
The Domaine du Rayol, or Mediterranean Garden, is located in the French department of Var, on the corniche des Maures. The garden features species from the Mediterranean biome. The estate was created in the early 1900s by Parisian banker and painter Alfred-Théodore Courmes and his wife Thérèse.
Architect Guillaume Tronchet designed the garden. The Domaine du Rayol, or Mediterranean Garden, bears the “Heritage of the 20th Century” label and was listed as a historic monument in 1994. The garden features all Mediterranean styles, including Californian, South African, Australian, Chilean and New Zealand gardens. Domaine du Rayol’s Baie du Figuier is the starting point for aquatic walks in summer.
You’ll discover the region’s rich underwater flora and fauna. The Domaine du Rayol has escaped several real estate projects. The Conservatoire du Littoral acquired the garden in 1989, and the Domaine du Rayol Association was created. To this day, this organization continues to manage the Domaine du Rayol.
Domaine de Rayol Association and Conservatoire du Littoral
The Domaine du Rayol association has been protecting and managing the garden since 1989. The estate is 85% self-sufficient, thanks to tourism.
In fact, since its opening, the Mediterranean garden has welcomed 1.5 million visitors and employs around 30 people. The Domaine du Rayol is open 364 days a year. It has been awarded the “qualité tourisme” and “jardin remarquable” labels.
The Conservatoire du Littoral plays a role in national environmental strategy and the acquisition of land on maritime coastlines. The organization also develops and maintains the natural and biological wealth of the coastline.
The Conservatoire du littoral preserves 1,450 hectares of coastline (193,275 hectares), manages 700 sites, employs 180 staff, 250 site managers and 9,000 coastal guards.
