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

THE SARDY GARDENS IN VÉLINES: A ROMANTIC WALK BETWEEN ITALY AND ENGLAND

A remarkable garden in the heart of the Périgord Pourpre

Located in Vélines, in the Périgord Pourpre, in the heart of Michel de Montaigne 's country, the Jardins de Sardy overlook the Dordogne valley, offering a route dotted with viewpoints over the surrounding landscape.

Labeled "Remarkable Garden" since 2004, this romantic garden, imbued with an English touch, presents a plant palette composed of numerous perennials and shrubs selected for their adaptability. The perspectives of the hornbeam, the historic pond and the new fountain gardens are in keeping with 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 aegis of the Heritage Foundation, recalls the agricultural vocation of this property, still today a wine producer.

This landscaped garden, restored respecting the harmony of the place and the principles of classical perspective, offers an ideal setting to recharge your batteries in the heart of nature. The privileged location of the Jardins de Sardy, built along a rocky stratum from which springs gush, allows visitors to discover varied spaces, where it is pleasant to stroll: shaded path in the wood and the hornbeam, Mediterranean garden, winding English perspective punctuated by the rock emerging from the lawns, Italian-style basins animated by water jets, old wash house...

A garden inspired by Tuscany, English landscapes and Mediterranean vegetation

The creation of the Jardins de Sardy was inspired by a subtle marriage of Italian architecture and English horticultural tradition. At the center of the composition, a long pond extends below the house, bordered by slender cypress trees and pastel-colored flowerbeds, reflecting English mixed borders.

The entrance to the garden is via a shaded path, a remnant of a 19th-century bower. The 17th-century dovecote guides the visitor into the courtyard transformed into a Mediterranean-style dry garden, punctuated by several cauldrons overflowing with tropical water lilies and lotuses. Walkers discover vegetation where fragrant and aromatic plants, citrus fruits and pelargoniums mingle. The new fountain garden in the middle of an olive grove blooming with lagerstroemias offers an enchanting spectacle. The walk in the undergrowth decorated with imposing rocks offers a relaxing interlude before discovering the perspective of the long pond. The koi carp with shimmering spots that swim there entertain young and old. Visitors join the wash house and its numerous frogs and dragonflies and enjoy the view of the watchtower and its climbing rose bush that perfumes the atmosphere at the beginning of summer. The belvedere is the final stop to admire this breathtaking view once again and take a souvenir photo with friends or loved ones.

A visit between botany and heritage

The Sardy Gardens can be explored on a guided tour or independently, with a brochure and information provided 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, during the Rendez-vous aux Jardins festival, visitors can follow the traditional musical stroll through the Sardy Gardens. And in the summer, a music festival enlivens the gardens in July and August. Classical music concerts take place partly in the gardens and are an opportunity to hear established musicians as well as young talents with promising careers.

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

Visitors can also taste and purchase the estate's red wines, or visit the cellar on request.

What to discover around the Jardins de Sardy

The Périgord Pourpre, rich in its heritage and landscapes, offers numerous activities to discover within a radius of 30 km 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 is an opportunity to immerse yourself in antiquity and admire the mosaics decorated with fish for which this place is 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 you to stroll. Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for its monuments and vineyards.
• Markets and local producers: The markets of Castillon-la-Bataille and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande offer local products: foie gras, truffles, nuts and Bergerac wines.
• River activities : Barge or canoe trips on the Dordogne offer a different perspective of the landscapes and castles that line the river.

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