© Jardins de Marqueyssac
Jardins de Marqueyssac, Vezac
Views of the Dordogne valley from these beautiful gardens
This château is a luxury 18th-century residence built around the time of the French Revolution. Sitting in a magnificent spot, with views over the Dordogne valley, its brickwork is the classical limestone slabs, or lauze, with stone roof tiles.
The château isn't open to the public, but your real reason for visiting here is its incredible gardens. It has been designed to walk around, with extensive pathways over six kilometres in length, pretty staircases, rock benches and a rotunda. At a height of 130 metres above the river, the Belvedere balcony offers an exceptional panorama. For those with a head for heights, try the via ferrata where you climb around the sheer face of the rock with a vertical drop below.
Deliciously shaded and dominated by a panoramic view of the valley, you will find the castle arbour, the ideal place to come for refreshment while visiting the park. In the tea-room you will find light meals are available, prepared by the chef from “the Relais des 5 châteaux” in Vézac. The charm, the style and the friendliness of the welcome are exceptional. This is a popular place for many people from the Périgord are to come and meet and chat.
Worth knowing
You can buy a special price twin ticket to visit both the gardens and nearby Château Castelnaud.
Watch out for
The surroundings of the château are easily accessible and much of the gardens are accessible by wheelchair, although not all. There is private parking for the disabled closer to the entrance of the gardens. During April until the end of September as electric shuttle is available to reduce the walking distance to reach the Belvedere.
Who should go
This is a great place for all garden lovers. An obvious choice for the green fingered it is also a great family destination with playparks to keep the children amused.
Visitor comments
- "From the friendly lady in the ticket office to the delicious ice-cream and everything in between it was all lovely. The topiary gardens are dramatic, beautiful and ever so slightly bonkers. The rest of the gardens are peaceful and well-tended. The views are stunning - a great afternoon trip." - Trip Advisor
- "Went here in early June with my toddling daughter (21 months) and garden loving grandma. The gardens didn't disappoint. Immaculate, looks exactly like the pictures. The Belvedere is worth the walk but a push chair is necessary for young children. Views of La Rocque Gageac amazing." - Trip Advisor
- "Lots of different paths, it is easy to lose yourself in its splendour. The view from the Belvedere is fabulous and well worth making your way up there. There is a free 8 seater golf buggy which can transport you from one end to the other. There is a children's play area somewhere in the middle and the main house is worth having a peek at." - Trip Advisor
When to come
The gardens are open all year. In summer, April, May, June and September they are open from 10:00 until 19:00. During July and August from 09:00 until 20:00. Also in July and August they have 'candlelight nights' every Thursday from 19:00 to midnight.
In February, March, October and until mid-November the gardens are open from 10:00 until 18:00. From mid-November until the end of January the gardens open only in the afternoons from 14:00 to 17:00.
How to book
Tickets are available on the gate, however, if you are interested in a group or private tour then you should arrange this in advance. You can do so by making an enquiry using the information above or calling on the phone number noted.
Child policy
Children are most welcome here, there are parks provided for their entertainment. A buggy or pushchair is suggested for young children due to the amount of walking involved in exploring the gardens.
