The warm season is a special time for us in Europe for this is when we can traverse across the continent to get lost among the fragrant flower fields (and take a tonne of photos of course!).
Here are our top four picks of the best and most photo-worthy flower fields.
Keukenhof, The Netherlands
Known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof’s spring park in The Netherlands came about thanks to a group of bulb growers and exporters who in 1949 came up with the idea of using the historical estate to exhibit flowering bulbs. Each year about 7mil flowering bulbs fill the space with their wonderful colours and shapes, enjoyed by not only those in the flower trade, but by visitors from around the world. This year will see the 70th edition of Keukenhof. The park is now opened until 19 May 2019.
From Amsterdam, you’ll need to take a train to Hoofddorp, where you can connect to Keukenhof via a bus service. The easiest way to get around this part of Europe is with a Benelux Pass.
Notre-Dame de Senanque, France
The main lavender fields of Provence in France can be found in and around the Luberon and Verdon plateau regions, just north of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille; and east of Avignon. Generally, the best time to visit is between mid-June and July, though it is always best to check as the flowering season heavily depends on weather conditions.
A pretty spot we love is the Notre-Dame de Senanque, a Cistercian abbey near the charming hilltop village of Gordes in Vaucluse-en-Provence. With your France Pass, you can head to Avignon quite easily from any train station.
Sunflower and Poppy Fields, Italy
You may think Italy is all about its food and wine and beautiful hillside vineyards, but it is also where you will find sunflower and poppy fields, specifically in Tuscany. Via Cassia between Montalcino and Sienna is where you want to explore from late June to around late August as this is when the flowers will be in their full blooming glory. Along the way, you might also see some lavender fields and chestnut plantations.
The best way to explore this boot shaped country in search of picturesque flower fields and quaint villages is with an Italy Pass.
Bluebells, the United Kingdom
From late April to late May, many woodlands around the UK will be carpeted by bluebells, creating the most magical landscape. Places like Ashridge Estate in Buckinghamshire, Micheldever Wood in Hampshire, Rannerdale in the Lake District, and Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire all have bluebell walks during the season.
Use your BritRail Pass to get around from one place to the other or you can base yourself in London and do day excursions.
(Note: should you not require a country pass, you can always look at point-to-point tickets to get from one destination to the other. To help you decide what’s best, do a comparison with these tips).
For more inspiration, head to www.raileurope-world.com.
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