Today we decided to explore one of the neighboring villages in the Dordogne Valley. High atop La Roque-Gageac sits the Chateau de Marqueyssac, known for its magnificent topiary. The Ministry of French Culture has anointed it one of the most Notable Gardens of France.
The chateau was built by a counselor to Louis XIV in the 17th century. He began the garden, and each owner thereafter added to it.
Today over 150,000 boxwood trees are carved into fantastic shapes. [A growing job opportunity in France!]
Many bushes have been trimmed into shapes that look like flocks of sheep
The hilly terrain . . .
. . . offers some fabulous views . . .
. . . of the village of La Roque-Gageac.
Among the linden, cypress and stone pine trees, whimsical sculptures have been placed.
Some of the long pathways are covered with wood archways.
Water descending from a belvedere ends in a cascade.
A soft drink dispensing machine Chateau de Marqueyssac style
A portion of the estate has a children’s garden.
Many families bring their kids here.
Two kiddies enjoying the children’s garden.
A poet’s reflection spot. A mother with her kiddies hid in one of these and then jumped out and said Boo. “J’ai peur,” Jill replied, and we all broke out laughing.
Paintings are oddly displayed throughout the garden pathways.
We guess we are in a fairy forest.
In the afternoon we took a boat ride down the Dordogne River with a group of French tourists. When Pete whipped out his GoPro, they were intrigued and one man said to the other in French, “He MUST be American.” C’est vrai. The GoPro must be rare in this part of France.
We learned that the river transports logs to Bordeaux in order to make wine barrels.
French tourists. We were the only Americans.
A view of La Roque-Gageac from the river
Yet another chateau
We would have rented a canoe, but we didn’t want to spend the time going back to the B&B to change into shorts.
A view from the river of the belvedere of the hanging gardens of Chateau Marqueyssac
What a great spot to take a canoe ride.
We had reservations this evening at La Belle Etoile, one of the best restaurants in town, according to Sandra & Baudouin. We began our meal with a wonderful amuse bouche, a puree of French vegetables that had a crunch to it. We remarked how texture plays such an important role in French cuisine.
ENTREE: White asparagus and local foie gras
PLAT: Stuffed poulet
Local wine
When you reserve a table here, it is for the entire evening. Eating is almost ceremonial.
DESSERT: Pistachio torte with fresh red fruit — so good. We were so lucky to get reservations. This place books weeks in advance.
La Roque-Gageac at night
3 Comments
I am happy the weather looks great. I see also food is amazing. La Roque on the side of the cliff is gorgeous.
Gorgeous greenery; this area is just absolutely beautiful, a dreamland.
I’m watching two lovebirds having the time of their lives while I’m watching a handyman repair my towel rack. What’s wrong with this picture?
I love PISTACHIOS.
Fleaster
If I could be beamed there, I would. Everything looks gorgeous, and the food must be terrific. You are so lucky! Party on!