Big Bloom: 10 Places That Are Bursting With Blossoms
From France to Japan, world travelers are immersed in colorful seas of flowers in these places.
February 17, 2023
1. Wildflowers along Route 1
California, USA
California's Route 1 amazes motorists with a gorgeous sea of flowers. © Shutterstock
In bloom: mid-March to early April
From poppies to lupines and sand verbena to bluebells and evening primrose, California's Central Coast is bursting with colorful wildflowers. The Carrizo Plain in particular is known for its fabulous sea of flowers.
2. sakura
Kyoto or Tokyo, Japan
Cherry blossom in Japan is one of the country's highlights. © Akira Deng
In bloom: mid-March to early May
Who hasn't heard of it? The sakura, or Japanese cherry blossom, enchants tourists and residents alike with its splendor. A symbol of beauty and transience, the annual blooming season marks the beginning of Spring.
Related: Why a trip to Japan is worthwhile now
3. Jacaranda Trees
Pretoria, South Africa
Intense purple awaits visitors to Pretoria for the jacaranda bloom. © Shutterstock
In bloom: late September to mid-November
The Jacaranda trees, originally from Brazil, first took root in Pretoria in 1888. Since then, they have tinted the city, now rightly called Jacaranda City, in breathtaking purple. A special sight is the Klapperkop Nature Reserve.
5 Claude Monet Jardin de Giverny
Giverny, France
Monet transformed the floral splendor of Giverny into Impressionist masterpieces. © Veronica Reverse
In bloom: April - October
Monet's gardens in Normandy invite you to experience firsthand the inspiration behind many of the artist's works. Surrounded by lush greenery, blooming irises, roses and tulips, you'll be immersed not only in a sea of flowers but in the artist's world of impressionism.
4. lavender fields
Provence, France
Provence is famous for its colorful lavender fields. © Antony Bec
In bloom: mid-June to mid-August
The vast lavender fields let Provence shine in a breathtaking splendor of blue and purple shades, starting in mid June. Travelers on a road trip through the small villages of Southern France can look forward to purple views, and to lavender festivals and excellent wines.
Related: Vive la Provence
6. tulip fields
Lisse, Netherlands
The iconic tulip fields at Keukenhof in Lisse. © Shutterstock
In bloom: late March to mid-May
The multifaceted tulip fields of South Holland, particularly those around Keukenhof in Lisse, attract tens of thousands of visitors every year. And rightfully so, as they transform the meadows around the iconic windmills into fantastic, colorful seas of flowers.
7. furano flower fields
Hokkaido, Japan
Flowers as far as the eye can see: the Shikisai Garden Hill in Biei, Japan. © Shutterstock
In bloom: mid-June to early August
Columbines, pansies, lavender, irises: If you travel to Hokkaido in July, you will be greeted by an almost unbelievable display of flowers. The region becomes more culturally colorful when festivals like the Ikada Kudari or the Yufure round off the Japanese Big Bloom.
Related: At Last, Japan's Borders Have Fully Re-Opened
8. sunflower fields
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany sunflowers bloom in the summer. © Shutterstock
In bloom: late June to early October
The Maremma region in Tuscany is world famous for its endless fields of sunflowers. A pleasure drive along the coastal region, around Siena for example, reveals radiant yellow heads nodding to those passing by in the breeze.
Related: Bella Italia: The 5 best road trips through Italy
9. canola flower fields
Luoping, China
Rape dips the hilly terraces around Luoping in rich yellow from March. © Shutterstock
In bloom: early March to early June
Spring around the fabulous Jinji Mountains in Luoping is a true sight to behold. In May, the rapeseed fields begin to bloom in rich yellow. The sight of the sunny, hilly terraced fields emerging from the mist is well worth the trip.
10. hydrangea flower
São Miguel, Azores
The crater lakes on the Azores island are lined with hydrangeas starting in June. © Shutterstock
In bloom: late June until September
The Portuguese outpost in the North Atlantic knows how to charm not only with its island idyll: fragrant flowers transform the Azores into a hiker's paradise. On the largest island, São Miguel, one may marvel at the hydrangeas that enchant with their white, blue and purple blossoms and line the Sete Cidades.
