Dordogne Gardens | La Roque Gageac Gardens
La Roque Gageac Gardens in the Dordogne
La Roque Gageac is a picturesque village that is wedged between the Dordogne River and towering limestone cliffs about 10 km from Sarlat in the Dordogne region of France. The village is designated as one of France Le Plus Beaux Villages de France and is simply a delight. Cobbled paths wind their way between yellow stone houses that nestle below the cliff face, while gabarres, reminiscent of the old trading barges that once plied the river, cruise past.
Historic sights at La Roque are the Manoir de Tarde home of the famous Jean Tarde, the stunning Romanesque church with views across the valley and the nearby Chateau de la Malartrie.
La Roque Gageac boasts and area of Sub Tropical Gardens that were planted in the 1970’s.
The exotic gardens are alongside the church, halfway up the cliff, and boast luxuriant sub-tropical and Mediterranean plants including lemon trees, banana trees and many species of palm.
It is thought that these plants do well here due to an unique micro-climate produced by the protection of the cliff and little or no wind.
Things to See at La Roque Gageac
Manoir de Tarde
This Renaissance grand manoir was built for the Tarde family notibly JeanTarde (1562-1636), who was an historian, as well as a cartographer, mathematician, astronomer, theologian, philosopher, and a friend of Galileo. This building consists of two main sections, with pointed gables and enchanting mullioned windows.
Romanesque Church
Halfway up the cliff sits the pretty Romanesque Church, the views down the vally and along the river from the courtyard of the church are stunning.
Chateau de la Malartrie
The site of La Malartrie dates back to the 12th century when it was a leper hospital The building has been since transformed several times.
