French gardening if it stands out for something is for the incessant search for perfectionism of the plants that are grown, therefore, it is not surprising that geometric figures take on great importance. And it is thanks to them that it is possible to achieve something as curious as what is achieved in the Marqueyssac Gardens.
As if it had been taken from the Alice in Wonderland tale, these gardens that today occupy 22 hectares offer the visitor a unique vision: Unlike other types of styles that we can see in other places, here a single color predominates, green.
History of the Marqueyssac Gardens
Image - Wikimedia / Sail over
The origin of these gardens dates back to the years 1830-40, when the scientist and diplomat Julien Bessieres. At that time he had a chapel built in the French department of the Dordogne, and an alley one hundred meters long for horseback riding. Twenty years later the farm would change ownership, going to Julien de Cervel. This man would be the one to plant thousands of boxwood (belonging to the botanical genus Boxwood) and that it would give them really curious shapes: rounded and grouped as if they were a herd of sheep. Currently, there are about 150 thousand copies.
Other plants that he included were cypress trees (cupressus), linden trees (tillia) and even stone pines (Pinea pine) that he brought from Italy. In addition, he was the one who introduced the Naples cyclamen. And if that was not enough, redesigned the flowerbeds and designed another five kilometers for promenades, and all following the romantic style of the time.
Later, around 1950, both the house and the gardens became neglected. But in 1996. With the arrival of Kleber Rossillon, who would be the new owner, both were renovated. The gardens were restored in such a way that they would return to have that romantic spirit that Bessieres gave them more than a century ago. Besides, it also included a waterfall, and an alley surrounded by rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and santolina.
In 1996 the Marqueyssac Gardens began to receive visitors, and a year later they were classified among the Remarkable Gardens of France.
Where are the Marqueyssac Gardens located?
If you would like to visit them on any occasion, you should know that are in Vézac, in the Dordogne department (France). It is part of what is now known as the Castle of Marqueyssac, and as you may have suspected, its design is inspired by the formal french garden. In it, geometric figures, particularly rounded ones, are what gardeners try to give plants.
The maximum control of the growth of the crops, working them by carrying out careful pruning and ensuring that they remain well hydrated and fertilized, they achieve things such as that a box tree takes the shape of a »ball» or that it serves as an elegant border. In fact, all the tasks they carry out are so well thought out and well done that some say they are the suspended gardens of Marqueyssac.
And it really gives that feeling. Suspended in a bygone age, all the plants occupy their ideal place so that the visitor cannot do anything other than dream and marvel at what he sees.
What is the opening hours and price of the Marqueyssac Gardens?
At first, the schedule is as follows:
- April, May, June and September: from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m.
- February, March, October and until November 11: from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
- From November 12 to the end of January: from 14:17 p.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.
- July and August: from 9 a.m. to 20 p.m.
And the rates they have are:
- Adults: 9,90 euros.
- Children from 10 to 17 years old: 5 euros.
- Children under 10 years: free.
- Personal loyalty card: free.
- Annual subscription: 25 euros.
Anyway, it is advisable to inquire before on its official website (click here), since for example during the coronavirus pandemic these gardens were closed to the public during 2020.
So now you know, if you plan to go to France, it can be very interesting to visit the Marqueyssac Gardens. And if you get an appetite, you can go to their restaurant, and taste delicious dishes while you contemplate the unique beauty of the place.