Gardens of the Dordogne
The Dordogne region is renowned for its exceptional gardens, ranging from formal Renaissance designs to naturalistic landscapes, exotic plant collections and breathtaking valley views. These gardens are an integral part of the region's heritage, often created around historic châteaux or in harmony with the dramatic limestone cliffs, rivers and countryside of Périgord. They showcase French garden traditions alongside English and contemporary influences, with many featuring topiary, water features, rare plants and seasonal displays.
From the dramatic boxwood parterres of Marqueyssac to the Japanese-inspired bamboo groves of Planbuisson, the gardens of the Dordogne offer peaceful retreats, stunning viewpoints and a deep connection to the natural and cultural history of the area. They are perfect for relaxing, photography, horticultural inspiration or simply enjoying the beauty of one of France’s most picturesque regions.
Here are some of the most remarkable gardens in the Dordogne, with their history, highlights and best time to visit.
Gardens of the Dordogne
Bamboo Gardens of Planbuisson
The Bamboo Gardens of Planbuisson (Jardin de Planbuisson) near Le Buisson-de-Cadouin is a remarkable exotic garden dedicated to bamboo and other Asian plants. Created in 1999 by landscape architect Jean-Pierre Besse, the garden spans 3 hectares and features over 300 varieties of bamboo, alongside water features, Japanese maples, grasses and flowering perennials. It is one of the largest bamboo collections in Europe and a tranquil, atmospheric space.
History: Developed from a former orchard, the garden was designed to showcase the diversity and beauty of bamboo in a natural, flowing landscape. It has grown into a major botanical attraction and a peaceful retreat.
Highlights: Over 300 bamboo varieties, water gardens, Japanese maples, grasses, flowering perennials, paths through tall bamboo groves, and a serene, meditative atmosphere.
Why visit? For a unique, exotic experience in the Dordogne – the tall bamboo groves, rustling leaves and water features create a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere perfect for relaxation and photography.
Best time to go: Late spring to early autumn (May–September) for lush green foliage and gentle rustling sounds. Summer for peak growth, autumn for golden tones.
Fun fact: Some bamboo varieties here can grow up to 30 cm per day in peak season – one of the fastest-growing plants in the world.
- Over 300 bamboo varieties
- Water features & Japanese maples
- Peaceful, meditative paths
- One of Europe’s largest bamboo collections
The Gardens of Château de Eyrignac
The Gardens of Château de Eyrignac near Salignac-Eyvigues are among the most elegant and well-maintained in France. These formal French gardens, created in the 18th century and restored in the 20th century by the current owners, cover 4 hectares and feature topiary, parterres, water features and seasonal colour.
History: The gardens were originally laid out in the 18th century in the classic French style. The current owners, the de Ganay family, have lovingly restored and expanded them since the 1960s, maintaining strict traditional methods.
Highlights: White garden, kitchen garden, topiary garden, water features, flower parterres, seasonal displays, and the château itself. Guided tours and seasonal events.
Why visit? They are a perfect example of classic French garden design – meticulously maintained, elegant and photogenic, with beautiful seasonal colour and serene atmosphere.
Best time to go: Spring for blossom and tulips, summer for peak colour and roses, autumn for foliage. Open March–November.
Fun fact: All topiary is hand-clipped twice a year using traditional techniques – no machinery is used, preserving the garden’s authentic character.
- 18th-century French formal gardens
- White garden & topiary
- Kitchen garden & seasonal displays
- Château & guided tours
The Hanging Gardens of Marqueyssac
The Hanging Gardens of Marqueyssac near Vézac are among the most famous and spectacular in France. These 17th-century gardens feature over 150,000 hand-trimmed boxwood trees in fantastical shapes, set on terraces with panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley and the river below.
History: Created in the 17th century, the gardens fell into disrepair before being restored in the 1990s by the current owner. The restoration included planting thousands of boxwood trees and creating the iconic topiary landscapes.
Highlights: Boxwood topiary, panoramic viewpoints, water features, the belvedere, seasonal events, night-time illuminations, and the chance to see the valley from above.
Why visit? The combination of dramatic topiary, breathtaking valley views and the magical atmosphere (especially at sunset or during night illuminations) makes Marqueyssac unforgettable.
Best time to go: Late spring to early autumn for boxwood in full leaf. Summer evenings for illuminated night visits (July–August).
Fun fact: The gardens contain over 6 kilometres of paths through boxwood – it takes gardeners several months each year to hand-trim every tree.
- Over 150,000 boxwood trees
- Panoramic Dordogne Valley views
- 17th-century terraces
- Night illuminations in summer
La Roque-Gageac Gardens
The exotic gardens of La Roque-Gageac, a village built into a south-facing cliff, benefit from a unique subtropical microclimate. The gardens feature banana trees, palms, agaves, cacti and other warm-climate plants growing naturally along the streets and riverbank.
History: The microclimate was recognised centuries ago, allowing tropical plants to thrive in this sheltered position. The gardens are part of the village’s charm and have been maintained by residents over generations.
Highlights: Banana trees, palms, agaves, cacti, tropical flowers, riverside paths, and the contrast of exotic plants against medieval stone houses.
Why visit? The unexpected subtropical vegetation in the heart of the Dordogne creates a surprising and photogenic contrast – a unique botanical experience in a beautiful village setting.
Best time to go: Summer for full tropical growth and lush greenery. Spring for early flowers, autumn for warm colours.
Fun fact: La Roque-Gageac is one of only two French villages officially classified as having a subtropical microclimate, allowing true tropical plants to grow without protection.
- Subtropical microclimate
- Banana trees & palms
- Tropical plants along streets
- Riverside paths
Panoramic Gardens of Limeuil
Limeuil, at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, features public and private gardens with panoramic views. The hilltop gardens offer sweeping vistas over the valleys and river meeting point.
History: Limeuil’s strategic position has been appreciated for centuries. The gardens developed around the village’s historic core and church, enhancing its natural beauty.
Highlights: Panoramic viewpoints, flower-filled lanes, riverside gardens, small public park with benches, and views of the two rivers merging below.
Why visit? The combination of river confluence views and charming village gardens makes Limeuil a peaceful, scenic stop with excellent photo opportunities.
Best time to go: Spring for blossom or early autumn for golden light. Early morning for soft light and fewer visitors.
Fun fact: Limeuil is nicknamed the “village with two rivers” – the gardens offer one of the best vantage points to see the Dordogne and Vézère merge.
- Panoramic river confluence views
- Flower-filled lanes & gardens
- Public park with benches
- Scenic hilltop setting
Water Gardens of Carsac-Aillac
The Water Gardens of Carsac-Aillac (Jardins d’Eau) are a private garden featuring water features, ponds, waterfalls, and a wide variety of water-loving plants. The garden is designed around water as its central theme.
History: Created in the late 20th century by passionate gardeners, the Water Gardens have become a popular attraction for their serene and reflective atmosphere.
Highlights: Ponds, waterfalls, water lilies, irises, lotus flowers, Japanese maples, and peaceful paths through the water-themed landscape.
Why visit? For a tranquil, contemplative experience focused on water and reflection – a beautiful contrast to the region’s formal and exotic gardens.
Best time to go: Summer for water lilies and lotus in bloom. Late spring for fresh greenery and early flowers.
Fun fact: The garden was designed specifically around water features, with every path and view centred on ponds, streams and waterfalls.
- Ponds & waterfalls
- Water lilies & lotus flowers
- Japanese maples
- Serene water-themed paths
The Gardens of Château Hautefort
The Gardens of Château Hautefort are formal Renaissance gardens surrounding one of the most magnificent châteaux in the Dordogne. The gardens feature parterres, topiary, water features and seasonal flower displays.
History: Created in the 17th century to complement the Renaissance château, the gardens were restored in the 20th century to reflect classic French garden design.
Highlights: Formal parterres, topiary, water features, flower borders, views of the château, and seasonal colour displays.
Why visit? The combination of a magnificent Renaissance château and elegant formal gardens offers a perfect example of classic French garden design in a grand setting.
Best time to go: Late spring to early autumn for peak colour and flowers. Summer for full displays, spring for tulips.
Fun fact: The gardens were designed to frame the château perfectly – every view is carefully composed to highlight the building’s symmetry and grandeur.
- Formal Renaissance parterres
- Topiary & water features
- Seasonal flower displays
- Views of Château Hautefort