Because of the very long days at this time of the year, after the markets at Sarlat we went to Les Jardins du Manoir D’Eyrignac. It is deep in the countryside with nothing else much around at all. In spite of the heat, we thought this might be shadier and cooler. We slowed down as we wandered through 10 hectares of gardens and 50,000 metres of sculpted hedges and trees.
The gardens of the Eyringnac Manor epitomise the quality and excellence of the traditional art of topiary. It is like a living sculpture garden where each sculpture demands ongoing attention but a team of specialist gardeners. Yew, box and hornbeam are shaped into features within a dramatic garden backdrop. Pathsways leads from room to room in what is like a huge open air palace.
The property has belonged to the same family for more than 500 years, and the present owners are totally committed to carrying on the legacy of the property and garden and sharing it with the 80,000 visitors it has each year. (When we were there it certainly didn’t feel at all crowded!)
‘Proud as a peacock’ is a phrase originally coined by Gauthier de Costes de la Calprenéde (what a name!) – a French writer who lived in Eyrignac Manor in the 17th century. So it is most fitting that this beautiful garden and proud heritage of French gardening is still found in the Perigord.
Heather, Tina and Sharon