The boxwood hedges are pruned entirely by hand, a process that takes an entire year to complete across the property.
The garden was opened to the public for the first time in 1996, following significant restoration work.
The site includes a 'Via Ferrata' climbing course installed on the cliffs for visitors equipped with safety harnesses.
The garden is built on a limestone plateau that creates a natural defensive position above the river.
The design of the garden was heavily influenced by Julien de Cerval, who inherited the estate in 1861 and introduced the boxwood topiary style.
The Marqueyssac Gardens are renowned for their massive collection of over 150,000 hand-pruned boxwood shrubs sculpted into rounded, wave-like shapes. Perched on a high cliff overlooking the Dordogne River valley, the estate features over five kilometers of shaded paths. The grounds encompass a 19th-century romantic-style park and a chateau dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Visitors can access a panoramic terrace at the end of the promenade that provides a 130-meter elevation view of the surrounding villages of La Roque-Gageac and Beynac. The landscape design emphasizes the contrast between the rigid boxwood hedges and the wild, forest-covered cliffs. The site is a protected historical monument in the Vézac commune.
The Belvedere, the cliff-edge terrace offering a sweeping view of the Dordogne valley and the river below.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the paths along the cliffside are gravelly and feature elevation changes.
Bring water, as the cliff-top sections can get very hot in direct sun during the summer months.
Check the website for candlelit evening events, where the paths are lit by thousands of small lamps.
Attempting to walk the entire perimeter in flip-flops or open-toed sandals, as the paths can be uneven.
Open daily throughout the year, though specific garden sections may have restricted access during extreme winter weather.
Stick to the marked pathways to protect the boxwood and respect the cliff-edge safety zones.
