As we travelled along the Dordogne River we visited fascinating caves and imposing castles and also spent an amazing day in the spectacular Marqueyssac Gardens overlooking the Dordogne Valley.
Brief history of the Marqueyssac Gardens
The Marqueyssac Gardens (Les Jardins de Marqueyssac) – located about halfway between the two most visited villages Beynac-en-Cazenac and La Roque Gageac – started taking shape in the late 1600s when the terraces were created, however the main construction of the paths, planting boxwood and other plants only happened some two hundred years later.
Somehow neglected during the 20th century the garden was growing wild by 1996, when it was bought by a local heritage enthusiastic, Kleber Rossilon, who was also responsible for restoring the fort of Castelnaud. After the grand project of trimming the boxwoods and restoring the original layouts and paths, waterways was created and the gardens opened for the public in 1997.
Our experience in the Marqueyssac Gardens
The grounds are not massive but it is fully packed with hand trimmed bushes, cool water features and follies and it is easy to spend several hours wandering the many kilometres worth of paths. You can admire the stunning views and will almost certainly see some gardeners maintaining the gardens, skilfully clipping away.
We followed one of the main paths that lead to the far end of the gardens to the viewpoint that provided some of the best views towards La Roque Gageac.
We bounced our way through the net-walk between giant trees and really enjoyed the stunning panorama of the river from the via ferrata route on the cliffs. This via ferrata is suitable for (almost) anyone, harness and helmet are provided, and you will be clipped onto the iron cable so you can safely follow the route even if it was your first ferrata. (Please note that he via ferrata route open only between Easter and November).
But there are plenty of spots to enjoy the incredible panorama without having to cling on to the cliffs. A few furnished rooms of the late 18th century Château de Marqueyssac welcomes visitors and you can also get some refreshments at its tea room.
The emblematic residents of the garden, the peacocks, usually hang out near the château and won’t shy away from the camera so you can take some good photos of them against the scenic background.
Marqueyssac Gardens for the kids
If you are travelling with kids the younger members of your family can burn some energy at the playground. They can also have great fun on the long walking net in addition to the other interesting features dotted around the Marqueyssac Gardens that can be of interest to them.
One of these is an elaborately made tree house with a wooden walkway leading up to it. Dinosaurs fans should head to the Nature Pavilion that is home to a 7.5m long Allosaurus skeleton. This well preserved fossil was only discovered in 2013 in the USA and since 2017 it is displayed in the Marqueyssac Gardens.
What is the takeaway
There are events and programs throughout the year but it is easy to spend a whole day just walking around and admiring the panorama.
We spent the best part of a wonderful day exploring the grounds of the Marqueyssac Gardens and then some time browsing in the gift and book shop before leaving the gardens.
Check out the opening times, ticket prices and scheduled events of the Marqueyssac Gardens HERE!
