Donjon, Manoir et Jardin de la Salle Discover a secret garden steeped in history in the Dordogne

The Gardens of the Keep, Manor and Garden of the Hall

Step through the gates of this unique place in the heart of the listed village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, to discover its gardens and centuries-old cedar tree. The gardens are adorned with purple, white, and pink flowers and flowerbeds, highlighting the tree's simplicity and natural beauty. At the foot of the Manor House and the Keep, the gardens accentuate the beauty of the entire property, a listed Historic Monument.

Ornamental gardens, medieval garden, remarkable tree and fountain

This is a garden that can be appreciated from the windows of the Manor, the ramparts of the Keep, or while strolling along its flower-lined paths. Meticulously maintained, it features a mix of flowerbeds, formal French gardens, and English gardens. There are also herb gardens and other specialties of medieval medicinal herb gardens (to support the explanations of Catherine, who leads workshops on medicinal plants). The gardens are laid out all around the building, and at the far end, you can admire a magnificent, centuries-old Cedar of Lebanon—a remarkable specimen of a tree that must be preserved at all costs!

A snack bar will be open all day for you to eat on site, enjoy quality food on the go and have a refreshing drink (open to everyone, even without an entry ticket)

Workshop on aromatic and medicinal plants

Catherine Heine, a graduate of the Lyon School of Medicinal Plants, will be leading workshops on discovering plants from our region's gardens during long weekends and summer holidays. Whether for flavoring, food, or medicinal purposes, plants hold no secrets for her! Come and share her knowledge. Visit the website of the Donjon, Manoir et Jardin de la Salle for more information.

Note: A photo exhibition by Matthieu Ricard, a Buddhist monk, will take place from June to the end of September 2024. Come and admire sumptuous photographs captured by him in the four corners of the world to appreciate their beauty.