Does anyone know any gardens or lavender fields to visit in Southern France. Also, I visited a "Wine Tasting College" in Provence several years ago, but can't remember the exact location. It was really fun.

Just what sort of gardens are you looking for?

All of France is virtually a garden, the country being the largest agricultural state in all of Europe. The greatest public gardens are in the north near Paris, Versailles
, Villandry
, Giverny
, etc.

There are lots of gardens in Southern France but most of them are private and attached to houses or religious orders. Visiting open air markets will let you see the bounty of those gardens. Perhaps you could make friends with the farmers and ask for a visit?
Here are a few gardens that Ms. Jones (above) has listed on her site that are open to the public. Be sure to call ahead:

ROSERAIE DE BERTY - 07110 Largentière.
Visits by appointment only and only in June.
Tel : 04 75 88 30 56 - Fax : 04 75 88 36 93
Owners : Eléonore Cruse and Christian Biette.
A wonderful collection of old roses in a wild mountain setting just north of Provence.
Described in Louisa Jones new book The French Country Garden (September, 2000).

BAMBOUSERAIE DE PRAFRANCE - Anduze.
Northwest of Nîmes : a major and beautiful collection of bamboos.
Tel : 04 66 61 70 47 - FAX 04 66 61 64 15
Director : Yves Crouzet.

CHATEAU DE SAINT PRIVAT - 30210 Pont du Gard.
Near the famous Roman aqueduct.
FOR GROUP VISITS ONLY.
Owner : Mme Bernadette Fenwick
Tel : 04 66 37 38 00

ABBAYE ST ANDRE - 30400 Villeneuve-lez-Avignon
Tel : 04 90 25 55 95
A wonderful terraced garden built around the ruins of a medieval abbey, splendid views of Avignon. Groups may also visit the house by appointment.

HARMAS DE HENRI FABRE - 84830 Sérignan du Comtat
Tel : 04 90 70 00 44
The beautiful country home and garden of famous nineteenth century naturalist Henri Fabre. All plants are labeled. Near Orange.

HERB GARDEN - La Mairie - 26700 La Garde Adhémar
Contact : Mme Danielle Arcucci
Tel : 04 75 04 41 09
Formal herb garden near a medieval chapel in a beautiful village.

JARDINS DES LAVANDES - Cathie Couttolenc, 84390 Sault
Tel & Fax : 04 90 64 14 97
And Tel : 04 90 64 10 74. e-mail : JARDLAVAND@aol.com
Gardens and nursery specializing in dozens of lavender cultivars.

JARDIN BOTANIQUE DES CORDELIERS - Collège Maria Borrelly, Place des Cordeliers, 04000 Digne-les-Bains
Tel : 04 92 31 59 59
A botanic garden, by appointment only. See also the Geological museum at Dignes with its outdoor sculptures, some by Goldsworthy.

MAS DE LA BRUNE - 13810 Eygalières.
Tel : 04 90 90 67 67 - Fax : 04 90 95 99 21
Owners : Marie et Alain de Larouzière.
Alchemy Gardens and Botanic Gardens of Magic Plants designed by Arnaud Maurières and Eric Ossart, two of FranceÂs most original young designers.

DOMAINE DÂALBERTAS - 13320 Bouc Bel Air
Tel : 04 42 22 29 77
Elegant eighteenth century gardens. Good sculpture. Plant fair in June. South of Aix-en-Provence.

PRIEURE DE SALAGON - 04300 Mane
Tel : 04 92 75 70 50 - Fax : 04 92 75 70 51
A medieval priory and...