Facing Castelnaud across the valley, these famous manicured gardens are an extraordinary festival of topiary, with over 150,000 hand-clipped box hedges stretching along a rocky bluff overlooking the Dordogne. Signposted paths lead to the gardens’ breathtaking belvédère (viewpoint), with sight lines to four of the area's castles. On Thursday nights in July and August the entire place flickers with candlelight (adult/child €15/7.50, 7pm to midnight).
The via ferrata is a 45-minute adventure shimmying around a cliff face on ledges and ropes 200m above the river. In summer the experience is included in the garden admission fee, but check www.viaferrata-marqueyssac.com for available dates and times.
