Jardins de Marqueyssac
A magical landscape of 150,000 hand-sculpted boxwoods offering breathtaking Dordogne Valley views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical candlelight atmosphere
Jardins de Marqueyssac
Best Time
Magical candlelight atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical landscape of 150,000 hand-sculpted boxwoods offering breathtaking Dordogne Valley views.
"A magnificent location with wonderful views, an incredible sculpted garden and plenty to explore."
🎯 Book Candlelight Tickets Early
The popular Thursday evening candlelight events sell out. Book your tickets in advance to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Closed-toe shoes are essential for activities like the via ferrata. [:athletic_shoe:]
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sculpted Boxwood Labyrinths
Throughout the gardens
Wander through 150,000 hand-pruned boxwoods shaped into whimsical, flowing forms.
Belvedere Viewpoint
Highest point of the gardens
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley, châteaux, and surrounding villages.
Candlelight Evenings
Entire garden
Thousands of candles light up the gardens on summer Thursday nights, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere.
The Château
Main building
Discover the history of the gardens and their owners, including a fascinating link to the Michelin Man illustrator.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Evening Magic: The Candlelight Strolls
Explore Beyond the Boxwoods
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Candlelight Tickets Early
The popular Thursday evening candlelight events sell out. Book your tickets in advance to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Closed-toe shoes are essential for activities like the via ferrata. [:athletic_shoe:]
💧 Bring Water Bottles
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated as you explore the extensive grounds. There are places to refill. [:droplet:]
🦚 Spot the Peacocks
Keep an eye out for the resident peacocks strutting through the gardens – they're a charming emblem of Marqueyssac! [:peacock:]
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Candlelight Tickets Early
The popular Thursday evening candlelight events sell out. Book your tickets in advance to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Closed-toe shoes are essential for activities like the via ferrata. [:athletic_shoe:]
💧 Bring Water Bottles
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated as you explore the extensive grounds. There are places to refill. [:droplet:]
🦚 Spot the Peacocks
Keep an eye out for the resident peacocks strutting through the gardens – they're a charming emblem of Marqueyssac! [:peacock:]
⏳ Allow a Full Day
Many visitors underestimate the time needed. There's more to see than just the hedges – plan for a leisurely exploration. [:hourglassflowingsand:]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the magnificent sculpted gardens and the breathtaking panoramic views from the Belvedere. The château's history and the unique Candlelight Evenings are also frequently highlighted as memorable experiences. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some mention the need for comfortable shoes and the specific timing for certain activities like the rock climbing wall.
"A magnificent location with wonderful views, an incredible sculpted garden and plenty to explore. We took an afternoon to get our and enjoy some nature after a few days of taking in the well known historical sites in the area. It was a fine weather day, and we very much enjoyed a leisurely afternoon in these grounds. The views are far reaching, the paths calming and very well maintained, and called off with a nice restaurant just above the entrance or, along the patna ways, a creperie.
The chateau in the grounds was an unexpected highlight, with some interesting history and several displays about the link between the owner and the illustrator of the Michelin Man. A must see for all"
R C
"Brilliant gardens. Nice house and wonderful views over the Dordogne River and valley especially from the Belvedere viewpoint. Wonderful sights of wild cyclamen (it was autumn) throughout."
Maureen Stride
"Fabulous gardens. Great views of the countryside. Plenty of exercise, bring water bottles. My ten year old daughter loved it, treated it like an adventure to discover hidden areas, and wants to go back next year. Once you've admired the topiary go into the chateau to watch a video about the gardners' work."
Jason King
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jardins de Marqueyssac is located in Vézac, in the Dordogne region of France. It's about 15 minutes from Sarlat-la-Canéda. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with parking available on-site. Public transport options are limited, so consider a rental car or organized tour if you're not driving. 
Public transport to Jardins de Marqueyssac is not straightforward. While buses may serve nearby towns like Sarlat, direct routes to the gardens are scarce. It's best to check local bus schedules or consider taxis from Sarlat if you don't have a car.
From Sarlat-la-Canéda, the most convenient way to reach Jardins de Marqueyssac is by car, taking approximately 15 minutes. Taxis are also an option, though they can be more expensive.
The closest major airports to Jardins de Marqueyssac are Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport (BGC) and Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD). From these airports, you would typically rent a car to reach the gardens.
Yes, there is parking available at Jardins de Marqueyssac, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The gardens are open daily year-round. Hours vary seasonally: 10 am-7 pm (April-June, Sept), 9 am-8 pm (July-Aug), 10 am-6 pm (Feb-March, Oct-mid-Nov), and 2 pm-5 pm (mid-Nov-Jan). Last admission is one hour before closing.
Ticket prices vary by season. For example, from April 1st, adult tickets are around €10-€12, with reduced rates for children and families. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
It is highly recommended to buy tickets online, especially for the popular Candlelight Evenings, to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
Discounts are typically available for children, students, and sometimes for groups. Special rates may apply during certain events.
Admission generally includes access to the gardens, the Belvedere viewpoint, and the château with its exhibitions. Special activities like yoga or guided tours might have separate fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the 22 hectares of sculpted boxwood gardens, enjoy panoramic views from the Belvedere, visit the château, and on summer evenings, experience the magical candlelight strolls. There are also adventure activities like a via ferrata and rock climbing wall for kids.
Yes, children often love Jardins de Marqueyssac! They can treat it like an adventure, exploring hidden areas. The rock climbing wall (morning only) and via ferrata are popular activities.
Every Thursday evening in July and August, over 2,000 candles illuminate the gardens, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere with live music. It's a unique and romantic experience.
Guided tours are sometimes offered, providing deeper insights into the history and design of the gardens. Check the schedule upon arrival or on their website.
The Belvedere is a stunning viewpoint offering unparalleled panoramic vistas of the Dordogne Valley, including views of Castelnaud and Beynac castles and the village of La Roque-Gageac.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant just above the entrance and a creperie along the paths, offering refreshments and meals. You can also find picnic areas.
Absolutely! There are designated picnic areas within the gardens, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch surrounded by beautiful scenery.
The restaurant typically offers regional cuisine, providing a pleasant dining experience with views. It's a good option for a more substantial meal during your visit.
Yes, there's a cafe where you can enjoy ice cream or other snacks, perfect for a quick treat while exploring the gardens.
While specific menus can vary, traditional French cuisine often includes vegetarian options. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant about vegan choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The Belvedere viewpoint offers incredible panoramic shots. The winding paths through the boxwood hedges create beautiful leading lines, and the château provides a picturesque backdrop. Don't forget to capture the peacocks!
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the gardens for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
The golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer beautiful soft light. The Candlelight Evenings provide a unique, magical photographic opportunity with the soft glow of thousands of candles.
Drone usage is typically restricted in such historical and natural sites to protect the environment and other visitors. It's best to check the official regulations before flying a drone.
Photography rules inside the château may vary. It's advisable to check for signage or ask staff regarding restrictions on flash photography or filming.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For the more adventurous, the rock climbing wall (available in the morning) and the via ferrata offer exciting challenges. Remember that the via ferrata requires fully closed shoes and may have specific age or supervision requirements. The peacocks are also a big hit with younger visitors!
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Beyond the evenings, the serene beauty of the sculpted gardens, the breathtaking valley views, and the charming château provide a picturesque setting for a romantic day out. Enjoy a leisurely walk hand-in-hand and find a quiet spot to admire the scenery together.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Consider visiting in the spring or autumn for pleasant walking weather and fewer crowds. The sheer scale of the gardens means you can easily spend several hours exploring without covering the same ground twice.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Topiary: Marqueyssac's Boxwood Masterpieces
Visitors often describe the experience as stepping into a living sculpture garden. The sheer scale and artistry involved in maintaining these hedges are astounding. The gardens are designed to be explored, with winding paths that reveal new perspectives and hidden corners at every turn. It’s a testament to the dedication of the gardeners who continue this tradition.
Beyond the visual appeal, the boxwood hedges provide shady, cool pathways, offering respite from the sun, especially during the warmer months. The scent of the boxwood, particularly on a warm day, adds another sensory layer to the visit. It's this combination of visual artistry, natural beauty, and sensory experience that makes Marqueyssac so captivating.
Panoramic Vistas: The Belvedere and Beyond
These views are not just a static backdrop; they are an integral part of the garden's design. The layout encourages visitors to move towards these vantage points, making the landscape itself a key element of the experience. The contrast between the meticulously sculpted gardens and the wild, expansive valley below is striking.
Many visitors highlight the far-reaching views as a major draw, especially after exploring the intricate details of the gardens. It's a place to pause, reflect, and truly appreciate the beauty of the Périgord region. The changing light throughout the day can transform the panorama, making return visits worthwhile.
The Enchantment of Candlelight Evenings
This event offers a completely different perspective of the gardens, turning a daytime stroll into a fairy-tale experience. Live music, often jazz or other ambient genres, fills the air, enhancing the romantic and enchanting atmosphere. It's a popular event, attracting couples, families, and anyone looking for a unique evening out.
Visitors consistently rave about the unforgettable ambiance of these evenings. The combination of the soft candlelight, the sculpted landscape, and the gentle music creates a truly memorable experience that stands out from a typical garden visit. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended due to its popularity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit