A Mystical Surprise in the Dordogne
On a warm summer evening we set off in the car from our rental accommodation in the village of Saint-Cyprien. We stopped briefly to watch hot-air balloons drifting over the Dordogne River giving the passengers a magnificent view.
Spectacular bank of hand-pruned topiary trees, Les Jardins Suspendus de Marqueyssac, Dordogne, France
Our destination, Les Jardins Suspendus de Marqueyssac, located on the Dordogne River in south-west France. The property features an 18th-century château and six kilometres of pathways through the gardens.
https://marqueyssac.com/?lang=en
A huge bank of hand-pruned topiary trees was the first delight. We strolled along the pathways arriving at a fabulous lookout, Le Belvédère, 192m above the Dordogne River and the beautiful village of La Roque-Gageac.
View of La Roque-Gageac and the Dordogne River from Le Belvédère, Les Jardins Suspendus de Marqueyssac, France
As the sun set, we strolled along the avenues of trees. Lights strung between trees began to twinkle and candles lit the pathways to create a fairyland. Musicians played, people danced, wine flowed, and children enjoyed large parfait glasses of rainbow ice cream.
Candlelit pathway
Musicians played …
… adding to the wonderful atmosphere of the evening
A special treat with a view to match
Before we departed, we were entertained by mystical fairies on stilts, who sparkled like Christmas trees, dancing and enchanting the delighted audience.
Mystical fairies delighted the audience
Such a truly magical evening, and we were thankful that I had discovered these gardens whilst researching our holiday and included this special treat in our itinerary. I urge you to research special places and experiences to enhance your holiday. Come back next time for more French Views.
A truly magical evening
