Today I'll show you the French Erignac Gardens, which we really enjoyed, even though we visited in early spring. The gardens are quite large and well-kept, but we were the only visitors! So, we enjoyed all this splendor just the two of us! These gardens are a true oasis of peace, tranquility, and beauty—they're considered one of the most beautiful parks in the Dordogne region and France.
The Château Érignac, built in the mid-12th century, was burned 500 years later by the troops of the Prince of Condé during the rebellion against Mazarin. This was during the Fronde, when many aristocrats attempted to obstruct the reign of fifteen-year-old Louis XIV. The entire surrounding area was devastated by fire and shells.
In the 17th century, a certain Antoine de Coste de la Calprenède decided to build a mansion on the ruins of an earlier house, and only his grandson Louis, appointed by King Louis XV as Inspector General of Finances, took charge of the surrounding grounds. He commissioned a beautiful garden in the style of the finest Italian houses, combining the strict lines of French style with the free spirit of the Italian Renaissance.
In the 19th century, it was fashionable to create parks in the English style, and a romantic English park with many winding paths and huge expanses of green lawn was laid out on this site.
This estate has belonged to the de Pouzola de L'Isle family for over five centuries. Twenty-two generations have patiently, carefully, and meticulously nurtured this marvel of garden architecture. Patrick Sermadiras, his wife Capucine, and their son Gilles currently manage the estate. It's clear they do so with great love and passion.
Patrick's father, Gilles, had made significant efforts to rebuild the estate, resulting in the gardens becoming what they are today - emblematic French-style gardens.
Perhaps the largest part is dedicated to plant sculptures. Labyrinth
Beautiful geometry
A picturesque path leads to the main house, which is called the Artaban estate.
The yellow 17th century building harmonizes perfectly with the yellow sand.
In spring, the gardens are planted with over 10,000 tulips, daffodils, cyclamens, and hyacinths. Summer brings 5,000 summer flowers and over 500 white roses. Beauty exists at any time.
Erignac has 5 hectares of lawns and more than 300 plant sculptures.
Only six year-round gardeners tend to this magnificent property. Maintenance of the gardens and estate costs €800,000 annually, plus another €100,000 for renovations and investments. €80,000 people visit Erignac each year.
White Rose Garden (weddings are held here)
I highly recommend this place for relaxation and peace!
Source: travel.ru