Water Gardens of Carsac: Complete Guide
Water Gardens of Carsac: Complete Guide
The Water Gardens of Carsac (Jardins d’Eau) are 3 acres of botanical gardens set above the Dordogne River. Featuring large ponds filled with water lilies, lotus flowers, and an extraordinary collection of aquatic plants, this is a peaceful and tranquil escape with a backdrop of limestone cliffs and woodland.
History
The Jardins d’Eau were created as a botanical garden around natural springs and ponds above the Dordogne River. The collection focuses on aquatic and waterside plants, with 16 species of lotus alone, as well as Caltha, Glyceria, Pontederia, Sagittaria, Cyperus papyrus, Gunnera manicata, Hosta, Iris, and Lobelia.
Fun fact: The gardens feature one of the largest collections of lotus species in France, with the delicate pink and white blooms appearing from July to September.
What to See
Lotus Ponds: 16 species of lotus flowers fill the ponds with spectacular blooms from July to September.
Aquatic Plants: A diverse collection including papyrus, giant gunnera, water lilies, irises, and lobelia.
Cliffside Setting: The gardens are set against a backdrop of limestone cliffs and woodland — a natural amphitheatre of tranquillity.
Visitor Information
Opening hours: Open May to October. An admission fee is charged.
Admission: Contact the gardens for current prices.
Getting There
Car: Located in Saint-Rome, Carsac-Aillac, 5 minutes from Sarlat. Parking on site.
- ★ Lotus and water lily ponds
- ★ One of France’s largest lotus collections
- ★ Peaceful cliffside setting
- ★ Open May to October
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