The Sardy Gardens A remarkable garden in the heart of the Périgord Pourpre

THE GARDENS OF SARDY: A ROMANTIC WALK BETWEEN ITALY AND ENGLAND

A remarkable garden in the heart of the Périgord Pourpre

Located in Vélines, in the Périgord Pourpre, within the land of Michel de Montaigne, the Jardins de Sardy overlook the Dordogne valley, offering a route marked with viewpoints over the surrounding landscape.

Awarded the "Remarkable Garden" label in 2004, this romantic garden, imbued with an English touch, showcases a plant palette composed of numerous perennials and shrubs selected for their adaptability. The vistas of the hornbeam hedge, the historic pond, and the new fountain gardens reflect the Italian tradition.

The medieval buildings, remodeled in the 17th and 18th centuries in an Italian style, provide a picturesque setting for this place where serenity and harmony reign. The dovecote, restored in 2024 under the auspices of the Heritage Foundation, recalls the agricultural vocation of this property, which still produces wine today.

This landscaped garden, restored with respect for the harmony of the site and the principles of classical perspective, offers an ideal setting for recharging in nature. The privileged location of the Sardy Gardens, built on a rocky escarpment watered by springs, allows visitors to discover varied spaces, perfect for leisurely strolls: a shaded path through the woods and hornbeam hedge, a Mediterranean garden, a winding English-style vista punctuated by rocks emerging from the lawns, Italian-style pools enlivened by fountains, an old wash house…

A garden inspired by Tuscany, English landscapes, and Mediterranean vegetation

The creation of the Sardy Gardens is inspired by a subtle marriage between Italian architecture and English horticultural tradition. At the center of the composition, a long pool extends below the house, bordered by slender cypress trees and beds of flowers in pastel shades, like English mixed borders.

The garden entrance is via a shaded path, a remnant of a 19th-century hornbeam hedge. The 17th-century dovecote guides visitors into the courtyard, transformed into a Mediterranean-style dry garden, dotted with basins overflowing with tropical water lilies and lotuses. Visitors discover a blend of fragrant and aromatic plants, citrus trees, and pelargoniums. The new fountain garden, nestled amidst an olive grove blooming with crape myrtles, offers an enchanting spectacle. A stroll through the undergrowth, adorned with imposing rocks, provides a restful interlude before the view of the long pond. The shimmering koi carp swimming there entertain young and old alike. Visitors can then reach the wash house, home to numerous frogs and dragonflies, and enjoy the view of the watchtower and its climbing rose, which perfumes the air in early summer. The viewpoint is the final stop to admire this breathtaking view once again and take a souvenir photo with friends or loved ones.

A visit combining botany and heritage

The Sardy Gardens can be explored on a guided tour or independently using a brochure and information panels located throughout the garden. A fragrant trail allows visitors to discover numerous aromatic and medicinal plants, as well as citrus fruits and plants used in perfumery.

A musical garden

On the first weekend of June, for the Rendez-vous aux Jardins (Gardens Open Days), visitors can enjoy the traditional musical stroll through the Sardy Gardens. And in the summer, a music festival animates the gardens in July and August. The classical music concerts take place partly in the gardens and offer the opportunity to hear established musicians as well as promising young talents.

The tea room, located on a shaded terrace with panoramic views of the Dordogne valley, offers a pleasant break with homemade pastries, artisanal ice cream and a selection of hot or refreshing drinks.

Visitors can also taste and buy the estate's red wines, or visit the winery upon request.

What to discover around the Sardy Gardens

The Périgord Pourpre, rich in its heritage and landscapes, offers many activities to discover within a 30 km radius around Vélines.

• Hiking and nature : The trails of the Dordogne and Durèze valleys allow you to explore hilly landscapes, with routes accessible on foot or by bike.
• Historical sites : The Château de Montaigne, the philosopher's former home, can be visited to discover the tower where he wrote his famous Essays. The Gallo-Roman villa of Montcaret offers a chance to delve into antiquity and admire the mosaics adorned with fish that have made this site famous. The reenactment of the Battle of Castillon, the last battle of the Hundred Years' War, is a historical spectacle with sound and light, not to be missed.
• Towns and villages : Bergerac, with its quays and historic center, invites leisurely strolls. Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for its monuments and vineyards.
• Local markets and producers : The markets of Castillon-la-Bataille and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande offer local products: foie gras, truffles, walnuts and Bergerac wines.
• River activities : Boat trips or canoe trips on the Dordogne offer a different perspective of the landscapes and castles that line the river.

The Gardens of Sardy, in the heart of this rich and varied region, are an ideal stop for discovering the Périgord Pourpre and its many facets.