France garden décor and outdoor dining trends grow in 2025‑2026

In 2025, outdoor decoration in France increased by 4.4%, reflecting a shift toward extending living spaces into gardens. Homeowners are creating garden dining areas and choosing durable, low‑maintenance materials such as thermolaqué aluminium, FSC‑certified exotic woods (teak, acacia, eucalyptus), woven resin, HPL and ceramic, all treated for UV resistance. Design palettes for 2026 feature soft tones – beige, mineral gray, sage green, taupe – combined with bolder accents of terracotta, ochre, lavender blue and olive green. Minimalist, modular furniture, LED solar lighting, and pergolas complete the outdoor ambience. Planning rules state that garden structures under 5 m² need no formalities, 5‑20 m² require a prior declaration, and over 20 m² a building permit.

The lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), a South‑American aromatic shrub, is highlighted as a garden favourite. It produces small white‑pinkish flowers and thrives in sunny, well‑drained soil, tolerating mild winters but not temperatures below –5 °C. The plant is often grown in pots for winter protection, benefits from mulching, and its lemon‑scented leaves are harvested for infusions, pot‑pourri and as a modest mosquito repellent. Its easy care and aromatic qualities align with the current trend toward fragrant, low‑maintenance garden plants.