The Marqueyssac Garden

Yes, we say it often, and we start almost all of our articles with that … but that’s how it is in Dordogne: nuggets like the Jardin de Marqueyssac deserve to be known! At the campsite, we do everything we can to make your stay comfortable and memorable, but we still recommend that you stroll through Périgord to appreciate all its character, all its nuances and above all, all its wonders.

Our beautiful region puts the small dishes in the big ones when it comes to gastronomy. In terms of heritage, Sarlat is quite simply the first European city according to the standard of the number of classified buildings per square meter. The Jardin de Marqueyssac is a bit like the lungs of Périgord Noir … and you will quickly understand why.

We give you a taste before leaving it to you to discover it with your own eyes!

Mother nature overlooking our dear Dordogne

You may have most certainly visited Hanging Gardens, but you will not soon forget the Jardin de Marqueyssac, which overlooks 130 metres above the Dordogne river, nestled on a rocky outcrop. Believe us, our enthusiasm is (barely) exaggerated: it is the 3rd tourist site in the department (the garden is also classified), with more than 200,000 visitors per year!

Expect to be amazed, and it is true to say it: you have the opportunity to admire at your leisure the sublime panorama which is offered to you on all the surrounding region, with some of the most beautiful villages of France (Beynac, Castelnaud, Fayrac…) and the numerous castles in the area… At Camping Le Montant, we are absolutely fans of this majestic setting.

You may have most certainly visited Hanging Gardens, but you will not soon forget the Jardin de Marqueyssac, which overlooks 130 metres above the Dordogne river, nestled on a rocky outcrop. Believe us, our enthusiasm is (barely) exaggerated: it is the 3rd tourist site in the department (the garden is also classified), with more than 200,000 visitors per year!

Expect to be amazed, and it is true to say it: you have the opportunity to admire at your leisure the sublime panorama which is offered to you on all the surrounding region, with some of the most beautiful villages of France (Beynac, Castelnaud, Fayrac…) and the numerous castles in the area… At Camping Le Montant, we are absolutely fans of this majestic setting.

Now, make way for what awaits you in Marqueyssac: more than 22 hectares of parks and hanging gardens, a walk that we find as romantic as you want, and which will allow you to discover the exterior of the castle and its picturesque lauze tiles. The flora of the region, spread over a 6 km promenade, will enhance your experience.

More than 150,000-hundred-year-old box trees, hand-cut, punctuate your immersion in nature, but also theatres of greenery, rockeries, waterfalls … The landscaping of the garden will surprise you and give you strong emotions as you go along the winding alleys, between the movement of the vegetation, the harmony, and the softness with the surrounding hills… We find that there is a small Italian side and “dolce vita” with the Mediterranean cypresses planted on the terraces.

If like us, you are curious, take the time to get out of your bliss and read the signage that marks your route. This will allow you to learn a little more about the flora, the region through its history, its geography, and its inhabitants. And if you are lucky, maybe your visit will coincide with one of the events held throughout the year. We advise you:

• “Rendezvous in the gardens”: the first weekend in June is punctuated by meetings and visits with the gardeners, as well as a summer night with entertainment in the heart of the gardens illuminated by thousands of candles;
• “Marqueyssac aux chandelles “: this is our favourite. Every evening in July and August, you are immersed in a magical and so romantic atmosphere… More than 2,000 candles make the garden shine;
• “The woodturner’s workshop”: you can admire the work of a goldsmith, that of the turner of Marqueyssac who gives a second life to the boxwood cut during the restoration of the garden. We are always amazed by his talent.

A game of hide and seek with the family in the gardens of Marqueyssac?

We talked about picturesque, romantic, panorama… But the children will also love this visit! They will take advantage of a dedicated course that will allow them to learn a whole lot of things about the animals and plants of the estate, not to mention the frenzied games of hide and seek they will indulge in the alleys (we speak knowingly!). An invigorating game booklet is also available at reception, and free of charge, for ages 7-14.

They will also be able to participate in great workshops and maybe even in the gigantic Easter egg hunt, organized on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, with more than 6,000 eggs hidden on the site.

The icing on the cake: your dear little ones, from 6 years old, will be able to learn to climb every morning in July and August, free of charge, just like via ferrata on a 200-meter course with all the necessary equipment. To end the day on a high note, a little trip to the playground and the shop will be much appreciated! Note that you can walk around in a stroller without any problem.

Practical information to prepare for your visit

To reach the sublime Jardin de Marqueyssac from Camping Le Montant, you will take the D57 for 8 km. The visit is accessible every day of the year and to everyone, so do not worry about coming with your family!