The gardens of Marqueyssac castle consist of over six kilometres of shaded alleys, edged by 150,000 hand-pruned, one hundred year-old box-trees, and adorned with belvederes, rockeries, waterways, grassy clearings, dry-stone huts, rotunda, a Gothic chapel, and playgrounds for the children.

In front of the 18th century chateau, the main terrace is arranged in a geometric pattern which symbolises the symmetry of the two main bodies of the castle. Built with great simplicity, the chateau is topped by a roof made of ‘lauze’ (limestone slabs), typical of Périgord, and weighing more than 500 tonnes.

The spectacular bastion terrace is made up of numerous box-trees carefully pruned by the four gardening employees of the estate, with cypress trees also giving structure to the landscape. The box-trees are all sculpted in curves to mimic the roundness of the surrounding hills and it can be rather enjoyable to get lost along the winding paths of this green labyrinth.

Once past the bastion terrace, you have the choice of three walkways through the Holm oak woods, all leading to the belvedere. There, box-trees are left to grow more freely and various side pathways allow walkers to move from one track to another on the way to the belvedere.

While the gardens of Marqueyssac overlook the Dordogne Valley from high limestone cliffs, it is at the belvedere one can enjoy one of the most splendid panoramas of the meandering river running 130 metres below. From the lookout point, originally laid out by Julien de Cerval, the view emcompasses the whole valley, from the castles of Beynac, Castelnaud and Fayrac to the village of La Roque-Gageac.

It was Julien de Cerval who dedicated the last 30 years of his life to create a haven of peace in Marqueyssac by transforming the estate he inherited in 1861 into a beautiful residence and a Utopian garden. The former jurist from Sarlat was a passionate gardener and a great expert of Italian-style gardens and agronomy, which he marvelously recreated in Marqueyssac, with its terraces and ornamental trees such as cypress, elm, Judas, umbrella and lime. Julien de Cerval designed this garden for his own personal enjoyment, to write poems in it amongst this romantic site dominated by a soft, fresh green and the delicate perfume of box-trees, santolina, rosemary and lavender.

Visitors can stroll around the gardens without a guide thanks to illustrated signs and panels which provide information on the history of the site and the fauna and flora throughout the park. It is also possible to follow a guide for no extra cost between the months of April and September. The domain also features a boutique and a “salon de thé” (open from Easter to the end of October) which both offer spectacular views over Beynac Castle.

For more information about the gardens of Marqueyssac, visit: www.marqueyssac.com/

[View with PicLens]

Aquitaine Bike are fully insured and listed with the Ministry of Health, Youth, and Sports.

Reference number : 02407ET0126.

Robert and Amy Owensmith
24220 Coux et Bigaroque, France Email: aquitainebike@gmail.com Tel / Fax: +33 (0) 553.30.35.17

For more info visit: www.aquitainebike.com

Aquitaine Bike comes  highly recommended by :

• B&B Ferme de Tayac : www.fermedetayac.com
• Scenic Dordogne : www.scenicdordogne.com
• Walking Dordogne : www.walkingdordogne.com
• Les Eyzies Tourist Info : www.leseyzies-tourist.info
• The Dordogne : www.thedordogne.com
• Dordogne Tourist Info : www.dordognetourist.info
• Duke of Dordogne : www.dukeofdordogne.com
• High on Mountain Biking : www.highonmountainbiking.com
• Mountain Biking Dordogne : www.mountainbikingdordogne.com

Wherever you are in the Dordogne, you will be near a Museum

• Atelier Musee des Tisserands et de la Charentaise Contained within the Castle of Varaignes, this working weaving museum and the museum of the Bandiat – Tardoire valleys offers a glimpse of local life in the 19th century. Located at Varaignes.Tel: 05 53 56 35 76
• Ateliers Musee A mineral and gem stone museum found at the foot of the Castelnaud Castle. Located in Vezac. Tel: 05 53 28 35 78
• Chateau de Beynac et Cazenac The Beynac and Cazenac Castle occupies a dominant position on the rocky cliffs overlooking the Dordogne river. Reconstructed by Lord Beynac it’s architecture dates from the 13th century. Tel: 05 53 29 50 40
• Chateau de Biron The Biron Castle dates from the 12th century. It was one of the 4 Perigord baronies and owned by the Gontaut-Biron family for 8 centuries. Located in Biron near Monpazier. Tel: 05 53 63 13 39
• Chateau de Bourdeilles Features a fortress from the 13th – 15th centuries. Offers an interesting collection of cupboards, carpets, wardrobes from the 16th and 17th centuries. Open throughout the year. Located near Brantome. Tel: 05 53 03 73 36
• Chateau de Bruzac The ruins of the Bruzac Castle can be found between st Pierre de Cole and St Jean Tel: 05 53 03 70 74
• Chateau de Castelnaud This reconstructed castle overlooks the Dordogne and faces the Chateau Marqueyssac. Built in the 12th century the Castle experienced British rule from 1259 -1273. See website for more details (in French). Tel: 05 53 31 30 00
• Chateau de Chabans The Chabans Castle has been owned by some of the most prominent families of Dordogne. The castle dates back to the 15th century. It played a role in the Resistance movement when Jacques Chaban-Delmas took his “nom de guerre” from the castle. Tel: 05 53 51 70 60
• Chateau de Duras Castle dated from the middle age offers an architecture mixing middle-age and the 18th century. Located in Duras, Lot et Garonne (47). Tel: 05 53 83 77 32
• Chateau de Fenelon At Ste. Mondain between Sarlat and Soillac (24). An opportunity to visit a furnished Chateaux with it’s antique furniture and historical architecture. Pets are not permitted. Tel: 05 53 29 81 45 Fax: 05 53 29 88 99
• Chateau de Fratteau The Fratteau Castle dominates domain of the new prison. Built in the 12th and 17th century it has preserved chimneys from the 15th and 16th century. Now also home to potters. Located at the exit of Neuvic sur l’Isle. Tel: 05 53 81 11 02
• Chateau de Hautefort A classical castle built in the 9th century on a rocky spur. It once belonged to the viscounts of Limoges and features the Long Tower, The Palm Tower and The Prison Tower. Located in Hautefort. See website for more details. Tel: 05 53 50 51 23
• Chateau de Jumilhac le Grand The castle was originally built in the 13th century and used to act as a line of defence during many incursions. Well known for its unique roofs that were built around the 1600′s. Located at Jumilhac Le Grand. Tel: 05 53 52 42 97
• Chateau de L’Herm The Herm Castle was built at the end of the 15th century but was abandoned. Today it is going through a period of restauration. See website for details. Located at Rouffignac Saint Cernin de Reilhac. Tel: 05 53 05 46 61
• Chateau de Lanquis A combination of architectural styles from palatial renaissance to a medieval fort created this elegant chateau. Well know for its chimneys. Open all year except from 15 January to 15 February. Tel: 05 53 63 65 00
• Chateau de Mareuil The Mareuil Castle formed one of the four baronies of Perigord. Owned by the Talleyrand family, it comprised an effective defensive system. A visit to the castle takes one back to the 100 year war and is an excellent tribute to Napoleon. At Mareuil. Tel: 05 53 60 99 85
• Chateau de Monbazillac This 26th century chateau is home to a museum dedicated to wine-making, arts and local traditions, 17th century perigord furniture and protestanism. The 4 ha parc is open to the public. Open throughout the year. Call for times. Tel: 05 53 63 65 00
• Chateau de Montfort The Montfort castle has been razed to the ground 4 times. Once in 1254 by Simon of Montfort, once during the 100 year war, once under Louis the 11th and finally under Henry the 4th. Restauration work has been underway since the 19th century. Tel: 05 53 28 57 80
• Chateau de Neuvic The Neuvic Castle was built in 1520 along the banks of the Isle. The architecture shows the transiton from Medieval Time to the Renaissance. Located at Neuvic sur l’Isle. Tel: 05 53 80 86 65
• Chateau de Puyferrat The Puyferrat Castle was built in the 16th century and features a totally covered walkway that offers a panoramic view onto the neighbouring countryside. A chapel that hosts the family vault was built in 1825. Located near St Astier. Tel: 05 53 07 86 26
• Chateau de Puyguilhem The Puyguilhem Castle was built during the First Renaissance and is a fine example of a Francoise 1st castle. Located near the village of Villars.
• Chateau de Puymartin The Puymartin Castle is be found between Sarlat and Les Eyzies. Occupied by the English in 1358 the castle has managed to preserve its furniture, carpets, paintings and other works for over 5 centuries. Tel: 05 53 59 29 97
• Chateau de Sanxet Located 3km west of Monbazillac, they offer a prestige car museum. They also rent rooms for receptions. Tel: 05 53 58 37 46
• Chateau de Sauveboeuf 16th Century castle, classified as a national monument. Displays a Louis the 18th style. Located in Aubas near Montignac. Tel: 05 53 51 89 46
• Chateau des Bernadiers Built on the side of a rocky slope around a high tower with views dominating Nizonne. This castle was no stranger to the 100 year war. The counts d’Aydie increased the castle and built terraces. Located at Champeaux et la Chapelle Pommier. Tel: 05 53 60 38 59
• Chateau des Bories Constructed on the banks of a river, the Bories Castle is an example of pure classical Perigourdian architecture. The castle dates from the 15th century. Located at Antonne et Trigonant near Perigueux. Tel: 05 53 06 00 01
• Chateau des Milandes At Castlenaud-la-Chapelle. A French chateau located in the heart of the Dordogne countryside with an exhibition relating to the life of Josephine Baker. There is also wildlife to discover on the castle grounds. Tel: 05 53 59 31 21 Fax: 05 53 29 17 33
• Chateau et Jardins de Losse At Thonac (24). An opportunity to discover this 15th century castle and gardens of Losse.Take a tour around the moat and renaissance hall, which exhibit fine 16th & 17th century tapestries. Tel: 05 53 50 80 08 Fax: 05 53 50 80 08
• Chateau l’Eveque Located on the D939 north of Perigueux. The Bishops Castle was where Saint Vincent de Paul was ordained priest in the 1600′s. Tel: 05 53 04 66 84
• Chateau Saint Michel de Montaigne The Montaigne Castle dates back to the 15th century. This is where Saint Michael wrote his famous essays from. Located at Saint Michel de Montaigne. Tel: 05 53 58 63 69 Fax: 05 53 58 63 93
• Chateau Varaignes It’s facade boasts a mix of Medieval and Renaissance styles from the 13th and 16th century. The village bought the castle in 1965 and won an award for the restoration of the castel. Located in Varaignes. Tel: 05 53 56 35 76
• Cloiture des Recollets The House of Wine on Quai Salvette in Bergerac. This 17th century “Cloiture” exhibits the historical link between Bergerac wine and the history of Bergerac. Open June to September. Tel: 05 53 63 57 55
• Eco-musee de la Noix Walnut farm and museum located in the heart of the Perigord noir region. Documentary film in English shown. There is also a shop selling the local farm produce from walnut cakes to walnut wine. Tel: 05 53 59 69 63 Fax: 05 53 28 59 34
• Ecomusee de la Truffe Contains plenty of information regarding truffles. Located at Sorges. Tel: 05 53 05 90 11
• Institute du Tabac A tobacco research institute that has an extensive collection of different types of tobacco products. The institute opens its doors to the public in the summer. Located at Domaine de la Tour on route de Sainte-Alvére in Bergerac. Tel: 05 53 63 66 00
• Le Musee Costi A collection of works by the Greek sculptor Constantin Papachristopolous. Exhibited in a 12th century crypt in the Saint Jacques presbytery in Bergerac. Ask at the Mayor’s office for more details. Tel: 05 53 74 66 66.
• Le Musee du Perigord On Cours Tourny, Perigueux. An interesting presentation of fine arts and french archeology. There is also a zoological section. Tel: 05 53 06 40 70 Fax: 05 53 06 40 71
• Le Musee du Thot The Thot Museum comprises an animal park and an exhibition centre. In the park one can see species of animal that closely resemble those that historically could be found there. Located at Thonac. Tel: 05 53 50 70 44
• Musee Atelier du Trompe-L’Oeil et du Decor Paint The Trompe-L’Oeil and Decorative Paint Museum is unique in Europe. It is possible to see demonstrations of work in progress. Located at 5 rue Emile Combes in Perigueux. Tel: 05 53 09 84 40
• Musee d’Histoire Locale The local history museum in Villefranche de Lonchat contains portraits, costumes and more. Located at Villefranche de Lonchat near Saint Michel de Montaigne. Tel: 05 53 81 21 39
• Musee de Cognac A museum dedicated to manufacturing Cognac. The process is clearly explained and the tools clearly displayed. Located in St Aulaye. Tel: 05 53 90 81 33
• Musee de l’Or Located in the basement of the Castle of Jumilhac le Grand. The museum takes one back to Gaul times when gold was mined in the region. Tel: 05 53 52 55 43
• Musee de la Carte Postale Ancienne du Perigord The Historical Postcards Museum of Perigord offers more than 33 000 exhibits. Founded by Henry Brives. Located at Saint Pardoux la Riviere. Tel: 05 53 60 76 10
• Musee de la Ferblanterie Offers more than 1000 white & galvanised iron exhibits dating from the 18th century till today. At La Tour Blanche near Riberac. Tel: 05 53 91 11 98
• Musee de la Medicine This medical museum in Hautefort, is housed in what was known as a poorhouse that housed local destitutes. The building was finished in 1740 and now hosts the tourist office, a weavers workshop and the medicam museum. See website for more details. Tel: 05 53 50 40 27
• Musee de la Paleontologie et de la Vie Sauvage Includes 3000 articles of paleonthology covering 700 million years. The Musee de la Vie Sauvage boasts more than 1000 stuffed exhibits. Open June to September. Located at 9 rue de la Republic in La Bugue sur Vezere. Tel: 05 53 08 28 10
• Musee de la Pierre Taillee This sculptured stone museum displays stomes from the Paleothique and Neolithique periods. Tel: 05 53 60 99 85
• Musee de la Prehistoire. Offres visitors an original projection room amongst the rocks. Offer various examples of sculptured rocks and Magdalenian art. Located at Teyjat. Tel: 05 53 56 30 29
• Musee des Arts et Traditions Populaires The Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions in Mussidan assembled this collection of artifacts from yesteryear including furniture and other objects. Tel: 05 53 81 23 55
• Musee des Records situated in the “salle polyvalent”, it offers a light hearted history of the songs that featured for the town’s annual August festival. Located at La Tour Blanche near Riberac. Tel: 05 53 91 11 98
• Musee des Rois d’Araucanie The Museum of the King of Araucanie celebrates Antoine de Tounens who left for Patagonia in 1860 where he declared himself king. He was expelled by the Chilean police in 1860. Medals and official documentation are on show. Located in Chourgnac near Sorge Tel: 05 53 51 12 76
• Musee du Foie Gras Discover how geese and ducks are raised, how “Foie Gras” is processed and learn about how to prepare it. At place de Marechal Foch, Thiviers, Dordogne (24). Tel: 05 53 55 12 50
• Musee du Suaire The relic of St Suaire is to be found in the Cadouin Abbey. Built in 1115, the abbey has recently been declared a world heritage site. Located in Cadouin. Tel: 05 53 63 36 28
• Musee du Tabac A tobacco museum located at Place du Feu in Bergerac. Displays a large selection of tobacco paraphernalia. Open in season. Tel: 05 53 63 04 13
• Musee du Ver a Soie An interesting and educational silkworm museum. Located at Saint Just near Riberac. Tel: 05 53 90 73 60
• Musee du Vin de la Tonnellerie et de la Batellerie A museum dedicated to the making of wine barrels and related objects. Located at 5 rue des Conferences in Bergerac. Tel: 05 53 57 80 92
• Musee Eugene le Roy To be found in the old Saint Jean l’Evangeliste Hospital. It is dedicated to the writings of Eugene Le Roy who died in the city in 1907. Displays his writings, photos, clothing and other souvenirs. Located in Montignac. Tel: 05 53 51 82 60
• Musee Fossiles The Fossil Museum features a 5.5m high and 11m long metalique sculpture of a Tyrannosaurus-Rex amongst other exhibits. Located in Peyzac le Moustier near Montignac. Tel: 05 53 50 81 02
• Musee Gallo Romain Vesunna At Rue 26eme RI, Perigueux. Conceived by Jean Nouvel, this museum presents one of the most significant archeological remains in Aquitaine. Tel: 05 53 53 00 92
• Musee Militaire du Perigord The Perigord Military Museum is at 32 Rue des Farges, Perigueux. Presents over 13000 pieces on French military history. Tel: 05 53 53 47 36
• Musee Napoleon An opportunity to visit the Museum of Napoleon and to view his family history. Situated within the grounds of Chateau de la Pommerie in the heart of Cendrieux, Dordogne (24). Tel: 05 53 03 24 03 Fax: 05 53 03 22 39
• Musee National de Prehistoire Offers an extremelly comprehensive and chronologically ordered exhibition covering the Paleolithic period. Located at Les Eyzies. Tel: 05 53 06 45 45 Fax: 05 53 06 45 55

Locations
Communes of Les Eyzies de Tayac, Tursac, Montignac-sur-Vézère, Saint-Leon-sur-Vézère, Marquay, Manaurie-Rouffignac and Saint-Cirq-du Bugue, Department of the Dordogne, Region of Aquitaine N45 3 27 E1 10 12

Theory

The Vézère Valley is on a limestone plateau in Southwestern France. It is home to several hidden calcareous caves. This is Lascaux Cave, the most well known. These drawings here date back to the Paleolithic period around 17,000 years ago. The cave was closed in 1972 for preservation work. Subsequently decorated grottoes of the Vézère Valley including this Lascaux cave have been inscribed on the list of World Heritage. In this drawing, the front foot of the horse was drawn over the bulky rock surface to give a solid impression. The technique is used to express a galloping horse. This drawing of cattle has many layers. The front red figure is a cow, and behind her is black ox with large horns. Why did man start to draw? Dr. Michel Lorblanchet has proposed a new theory through practical archaeology that takes account of the painting materials and artistic techniques of the time. He put charcoal in his mouth and sprays it onto the wall, exactly as people during the Paleolithic period used to do. By blowing onto the rocks, they believed that it would breathe life into something inside it. People in those days believed that some kind of supernatural power existed inside the rocks. They tried to capture this great power by projecting images of wild animals onto them. Signs of human imagination have been found here. This unicorn is drawn on the closest wall from the entrance of the Lascaux cave. People stopped painting in these caves about 10000 years ago. Once they had mastered the skills of stock farming, they started to regard themselves as superior to other animals and with that change the Great Spirit in the caves was gradually forgotten.

Local markets in the Dordogne, are tourist attractions themselves, and it’s great fun to spend a couple of hours strolling around a market . The markets are often the best place to buy fresh local produce, and most towns are at their best and most colourful on market days.

Most markets are significantly larger during the summer months.

During the summer many towns also have nocturnal markets (marche nocturne) where you can eat, drink and listen to music in a communal atmosphere.

Have we missed a market?? Please let us know.