The hanging gardens of marqueyssac in dordogne
Walk in the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac
In Vézac, 30min from camping in the Dordogne, the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac castle are the most visited gardens in the Périgord. Remarkable for its 150,000 picturesquely trimmed boxwoods, the park offers 22 hectares and 6 km of walking paths to explore, with unique views of the Dordogne valley.
At 800 m from the beginning of 19th century castle is a belvedere, which can be reached by several itineraries through the gardens.
Open every day of the year, the Marqueyssac gardens host several events throughout the seasons:
- Egg hunt
- Candlelight evenings
- Land-art exhibitions
- Boxwood pruning demonstrations
- Musical evenings or shows for children
The site also includes a via ferrata along the cliff, accessible from April to November. In July and August, you can take advantage of climbing initiation sessions, a parkabout to walk between the trees, and playgrounds for children.
All kinds of craft workshops are also organized for people of all ages. Don't miss a visit to the turner's workshop, where he works with dexterity with boxwood. Emblematic of the place, many peacocks finally walk in freedom in the gardens, honoring you on occasion with a wonderful wheel.
Visit the gardens of Marqueyssac
The most visited garden in the Périgord, the Marqueyssac estate lies at the foot of an early 19th century Lauzes-roofed castle.
On its rocky spur, it offers a unique panorama on the Dordogne valley. A belvedere has been built on the site and is equipped with telescopic views. It is joined by three walking circuits marked out with informative and educational panels. The site offers 6 km of shaded paths, as well as an incredible maze planted with more than 150,000 boxwoods that have been pruned by hand for more than a hundred years.
The park has many facilities created for its enjoyment during the 19th century: winding paths to discover, punctuated by small staircases, dry stone huts, benches, rock gardens, a large esplanade and a calvary, which give the site its picturesque character. The nature trail allows you to discover, with the help of a complete signposting, the fauna and flora of the gardens and the valley.
As you walk to the lookout, you will undoubtedly encounter the peacocks that live in the wild in Marqueyssac. Above the river, the Nature Pavilion houses a magnificent and complete dinosaur skeleton discovered on American soil.
Numerous animations will punctuate your visit to Marqueyssac: guided tour around the castle, shuttle on the big alley, or demonstrations of wood turner.
The hanging gardens of Marqueyssac
The belvedere garden of the Dordogne.
www.marqueyssac.com
A must-see during your vacations in Dordogne :
Marqueyssac by day and Marqueyssac by candlelight (in July and August): the gardens are lit up with 2000 candles and animations punctuate the walk. Without forgetting the climbing course at the foot of the cliff.
