16 January 2022 | Holidays, Tourism
The Gardens of Marqueyssac in the Dordogne
The gardens of Marqueyssac
The gardens of Marqueyssac are laid out on a rocky outcrop which dominates the Dordogne valley, 130m above the river. These romantic gardens offer more than 6km of walks through the box trees embellished with rock gardens, waterfalls, green theaters and a few belbederes with pretty viewpoints.
Information and prices on their website: https://www.marqueyssac.com/informations-pratiques/
Belvédère of the Dordogne
Listed site around the castle covered with lauzes, at the beginning of the 19th century, they offer more than 6km of walks lined with 150,000 century-old hand-cut boxwood trees and decorated with a belvedere, offering one of the most beautiful panoramas of Périgord, classified 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide.
The history of the gardens
Marqueyssac is the starting point for any visit to Périgord, 130 meters above the river, you will find the most beautiful panorama, witness to a rich historical past and a grandiose natural heritage. The walk is organized around three routes to reach the Belvedere of the Dordogne, located 800 meters from the castle.
Architecture
Marqueyssac has a remarkable roof with the typical material of the region: lauze or stone tile. This roof weighs more than five hundred tons and was completely restored from 2011 to 2017.
The animals of Marqueyssac
As soon as you arrive, you will come across a majestic bird, shimmering blue and willingly doing cartwheels in public during the mating season: the peacock, emblem of the gardens contributing to the beauty of the park. Just like the collector pigeons cooing in the shelter of their aviary. It is the spirit of the naturalist of the 19th century, whose period dioramas you can admire, life-size captures of scenes of wildlife.
An allosaurus skeleton
Since 2017, the Nature Pavilion has housed an allosaurus skeleton 7.50m long and 2.50m high, discovered in 2013 in the United States.
Entertainment and activities
Escalade
Introduction to climbing for children over 6, every morning in July and August except Saturdays. The cliffs of the site overlooking the Dordogne have been specially fitted out for beginners to climbing. Supervised by state-certified instructors ensuring the practice in complete safety.
Via Ferrata des raptors
Open from April 17 to November 5, 2023
Halfway between hiking and climbing, this activity offers strong sensations and allows you to fully enjoy the landscape and the valley. On the side of a cliff a hundred meters above the level of the river, the Via Ferrata de Marqueyssac offers an acrobatic cliff course of 200 meters to discover independently.