When the warm weather returns and Paris gradually empties out on the weekends, it’s time for a getaway! For those looking for a truly exotic location, the Marqueyssac Gardens offer a setting that is quite unique in France, with winding paths, belvederes, and panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley.
A magical garden with 150,000 box trees
Located in Vézac, in the heart of the Périgord Noir, the Marqueyssac Gardens cover around 22 hectares around a 19th-century château. The site is now classified as one of France’s remarkable gardens and is one of the most visited in the region.
The highlight of the visit is the 150, 000 century-old box trees, hand-pruned to form undulating waves that give the site an almost unreal appearance. The paths wind for more than six kilometers, punctuated by rockeries, dry stone huts, and viewpoints overlooking the valley. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Dordogne, the belvedere offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding villages and castles. This view is regularly cited as one of the most impressive in the Périgord.
The history of the estate dates back to the 17th century, when the castle was built on this promontory overlooking the river. But the gardens took on their current form in the 19th century, when Julien de Cerval planted thousands of box trees and transformed the site into a romantic garden. After a period of neglect in the 20th century, the complex was restored in the 1990s and opened to the public in 1997.
Today, it is possible to visit this veritable Garden of Eden. Allow about an hour and a half to walk the main paths and reach the various viewpoints. Depending on the season, the site also offers activities or evening light shows, which give the gardens a different atmosphere.
For all lovers of nature and heritage, this is a magical destination to discover as soon as possible!
📍Marqueyssac Gardens – 24220 Vérac
📆 Open all year round, every day – opening hours vary according to the season