Marqueyssac gardens streches along a spur on the Dordogne valley with an east and west exposure.

The vegetation is quite remarkable because of the calcium soil and the lack of water also its particular aspect.
On the southern slopes of the park, we find holm oak, traditional oak, maple and berry tree. These trees which are usually found in the Mediterranean climate have adapted themselves to the dry soil of Marqueyssac. The dark and evergreen foliage of the holm oak is the origin of the « Black Perigord » in the area of Sarlat.
On the contrary, on the northern side of the park which is more humid, can be found an atlantic vegetation eg. horbeams, rural maple and oaks.


In 1861, Julien de Cerval who was a passionate gardener inherited Marqueyssac and dedicated the last thirty years of his life to the beautification of Marqueyssac.
He planted tens of thousand of boxwoods which give Marqueyssac a dominance green colour and which makes it a unique garden.

The Bastion with its rolling aspect and with its sinuous paths is typical of landscaping done in France under Napoleon III.

 

 

The Bastion is simular as the gardens found in Italy and gives to Marqueyssac an italian flavour because of its terraces and cypress trees.

On the entirely of Marqueyssac's estate, the wied and romantic nature is set in a nexus of boxwoods.

Having a passion for agronomy, Julien de Cerval, was responsible for the introduction of the ornamental species found in the park : the lime tree, the Judas-tree, the liburnum, the plantain and the elm tree. Passionately interested in Italian culture, he planted cypresses and umbrella pines in Marqueyssac. Lastly, Julien de Cerval planted the small Naples cyclamen, which today forms a fabulous coloured carpet from August to October.


In 1996, towards the end of the restoration work an old stone path was found under the vegetation. Today as you walk along, you can smell the perfume of the herbs like santolina, rosemary or lavender perfectly adapted to the local conditions.