Gardens of the Imagination in Terrasson-Lavilledieu
At just thirty minutes from Brive and Sarlat, these 6 hectares of lush delights invite you to discover: 150 plant species, 120 water sprays, 2,000 rosebushes, 20,000 perennials, 8,000 trees and bushes, terraces which overhang each other and interweave, a sylvan theatre, a ‘green’ tunnel, woods, a viewpoint and much more… Everything it takes for the Gardens of the Imagination in Terrasson to whisk visitors back through the long history of Humanity and landscape art from Roman times to the present.
A contemporary creation by the Paysage Land architecture studio, comprised of Kathryn Gustafson and Ian Ritchie, it offers 13 green and water-focused scenes which visitors are invited to breathe life into through a rejuvenating, initiatory stroll.
Sarlat tourism
www.jardins-imaginaire.com
In Terrasson-Lavilledieu. Open daily from 10am to 6pm during the summer season, closed on Tuesdays from April to September. Free-as-you-please visits and guided tours.Prices: €7.50, €4.50 for 10-18 year olds and students. Information and booking on +33 (0)5 53 50 86 82.
Eyrignac Manor and its Gardens
At 13 km from Sarlat, an invitation to a free-as-you-please or audio-guided visit through the gardens of Eyrignac Manor, in Salignac-Eyvigues, which epitomize classical French-style landscaping. The sculpted green perspectives covering the alleys are a must-see, a unique example of topiary art. With every passing season, the gardens are enhanced: botanical trails, flower meadow, market garden complemented by a convivial, musical atmosphere for the White Picnics held on Monday evenings throughout the summer.
In Salignac-Eyvigues. Open daily from 9:30am to 7pm. Prices: €12.90, €6.50 for 5-10 year olds and €8.50 for 11-18 year olds, family pass. Tel: +33 (0)5 53 28 99 71.
Panoramic Gardens in Limeuil
At forty kilometres from Périgueux, Bergerac and Sarlat, a magical place awaits in Limeuil overlooking the confluence of the Vézère and the Dordogne rivers. Run by the association Au Fil du temps, the panoramic gardens showcase themes: arboretum, medieval garden, colour garden (tinctorial plants), witch’s garden (plants with magical powers), water garden, insect garden… A host of spaces to stroll through along the interpretative trails, before heading off to take part in the nature workshops (from July).
http://jardins-panoramiques-limeuil.com
In Limeuil. Open from 15 July to 31 August from 2:30pm to 8pm. Exceptional opening for the “European Heritage Days” and the French annual “Rendez-vous aux jardins” (Reduced prices). Prices: €6, €3 for 4-18 year olds. PRM-accessible. Tel: +33 (0)5 53 73 26 13.
Impressionistic scenes at the Carsac-Aillac Water Gardens
After creating the most extensive aquatic maze in Europe and setting up a touch pool where Koi carp wait patiently for children to caress them, the Carsac Water Gardens, just 15 minutes from Sarlat, now invite you to discover an explosion of colours and petals ever-so delicately centre-staged by the lotus and water lilies, in a refreshing, peaceful world which the great Impressionist masters would definitely have adored.
In Carsac-Aillac. Open daily in May, June, July and August from 10am to 7pm, in September from 11am to 6pm. Prices: €8, students €6.50 and €4.50 for 6-11 year olds. Free for children under the age of 6. Tel: +33 (0)5 53 28 91 96.
A weaveworld of inspirations: Sardy Gardens in Vélines
Near Vélines, at thirty kilometres from Bergerac and Libourne, Sardy Gardens unfurl their romantic charm with a myriad of invitations: curiosity at the scent garden, meditation by the large pond, strolls through a host of colours, fragrances, green scenescapes.
These gardens, centre-staging English and Florentine inspiration, blend greenery and perspectives in perfect accords which lead visitors to a state of pure harmony, pure communion with the elements.
In Vélines. Open daily from 10am to 6pm. Prices: €7, €4 for students and free for children under the age of 12. Tel: +33 (0)5 53 27 51 45
Journalist. Passions: the Périgord, history and the environment, nature and animals, horse and motorbike riding...and the culture of the Southwest with its rugby, bodegas, surfing, skiing...
