Jardins de Marqueyssac

If you are ever in the vicinity don't skip a visit to the Jardins de Marqueyssac – these gardens are really something to see. You'll find these super gardens just a short drive from Sarlat.

We arrived at lunchtime so before visiting, we ate lunch in the Salon du The - at a table under an awning on a terrace with wonderful views of the Dordogne. Peacocks wandering along by the table. I had the formule – or fixed menu - which was a tuna/cheese salad followed by a strawberry tart and accompanied by a glass of white wine. My better half went for a salmon quiche (which was very good) followed by tarte aux pommes (apple tart) The total cost was about 30 Euro

After lunch we walked around - with ideas of finding the belvedere until we realised just how far away it was - temperatures in the high 20's and sunny - and we didn't have any water. And of course we missed the little carts you could catch to avoid the walk which we didn't know about until too late.

The chateau itself is not much except for the limestone slab roof which is incredibly heavy - more than 300 tons.

The gardens are a National Historical Monument. It is part of a private estate. It has only been open to the public since 1997.

The gardens overlook the entire Dordogne Valley - an exceptional panoramic view. The gardens are made up largely of shaped boxwoods - not that many flowers.

The main construction of the garden and walks is from the end of the 19^th Century. The estate fell into disarray and was only restored in 1996. They do candlelight evenings as well which would be quite something to see.