For most people, when we think of gardens in the Dordogne we think of the formal gardens in the French style, with carefully trimmed box hedges and meticulously planned layouts. There are several of these to enjoy, including the very well known (and popular) gardens at Marqueyssac and Chateau Hautefort.
For something a little different, venture west of Bergerac in the region and visit the Jardins de Sardy near the border with the Gironde department and close to Sainte-Foy-la-Grande.
The garden is very attractive, and in an ‘Italian meets English’ style, much less formal than the gardens at the grand castles.
Above the gardens stands a typical Dordogne farmhouse, which also now has a small cafe where you can sit and enjoy the views and peace and quiet.
The highlight of the gardens is the large rectangular pond, lined by the cypress trees that we associate with the Provence region of France, and with Tuscany. A very tranquil spot on a hot summer day.
Elsewhere the garden has numerous features to discover and planting arrangements that will give you ideas to take home with you. These include an area of woodland, and a traditional Bergerac vineyard.
The Sardy gardens are not enormous as gardens go, but perfectly integrate into the landscape and a visit is recommended.
(See Velines for location and other attractions in the region.)
