LES JARDINS DE L’IMAGINAIRE

An evocation of the history of gardens since the Roman period in 13 natural scenes that are as surprising as they are enchanting, where the visitor finds the invariants of the world's gardens: water, wind movements, minerals, plants... 2,000 rosebushes, 20,000 perennials, 2,500 boxwoods, 120 water fountains, more than 150 plant species, 8,000 trees and shrubs, including rare species, terraces, a green theater, a plant tunnel, undergrowth, a belvedere, water gardens..

Opened since 1996, the Jardins de l'imaginaire are registered on the list of remarkable gardens. It is the former mayor of Terrasson-Lavilledieu, Pierre Delmon, who initiated this site. A lover of nature and gardens, he launched an international architectural competition which was won by the landscape architect Karhryn Gustafson. Located at the gateway to the Périgord Noir, not far from Sarlat and Lascaux, the Jardins de l'Imaginaire overlook the Vézère river and the town of Terrasson-Lavilledieu, on which they offer a beautiful view. The gardens extend over more than six hectares and invite peace and quiet. The landscape architect has designed a path that combines imagination and nature for a unique visit. You are invited to join this path by an elegant golden ribbon acting as a breadcrumb trail. Throughout your visit, you will discover thirteen thematic gardens evoking myths and legends. The history of the gardens since the Roman period is evoked, and the air and water elements are at the center of the path. First, you will see the sacred wood, where more than 2,500 boxwood hedges remind us of the importance of the woods in legends - it is said that elves even live there! Then, a plant tunnel invites you to pass between reality and imagination and serves as an entrance lock, under a vault covered with hops, wisteria and jasmine with intoxicating scents! The setting is thus set. From the elementary gardens, one reaches the terraces by walking along the path of the imagination, where trees and flowers form a soothing setting. The terraces are reminiscent of the ancient cultures of the Périgord Noir, and the moss and dry stones form the main décor here. The green theater is one of the highlights of the visit, testifying to the intervention of man on nature. It is all the magic of an ancient place like the theater, revisited by contemporary artists, which is here put at the service of the flowers and plants which give themselves in spectacle. After the earth, it is the air that is honored when we look at the giant weathervanes of the "axis of the winds", they indicate the direction and the noise of the winds, data necessary to the maintenance and the conservation of nature. Once again, the connection between people and nature is at the center of the tour. The water gardens and the path of the fountains show the importance of water, in all its forms, in the history of gardens. The five fountains and the various water fountains located along the path are recommended sites for a refreshing break during your visit! To take in the sights, head to the rose garden. Here, more than 2,000 rosebushes grow on contemporary metal structures, and when they are in bloom, a sweet perfume perfumes this space to discover. The topiary garden with its well-trimmed boxwood hedges and the source of the five rivers are also worth mentioning, inviting everyone to consider the planet as their own garden. Finally, the cold greenhouse - with its contemporary architecture that blends dry stone, glass and metal - blends perfectly into the landscape. A true meeting point, it is the only covered space on the site. It hosts exhibitions and symbolizes, once again, the presence of man in the gardens. The Jardins de l'Imaginaire are open from April to October, the beautiful season being of course the ideal time to discover the spectacle of a reborn nature. You will have the possibility to choose between a guided tour or a self-guided tour. For the latter, it is highly recommended to download the application "Les Jardins de l'Imaginaire" which offers a very interesting audio-guided tour. This application allows you to learn more about the layout of the space but also about the flowers and plants that you meet. If needed, a paper support can also be provided. The tour lasts 1h15 on average and night visits are sometimes organized during the summer. The Jardins de l'Imaginaire overlook the Vézère valley, to continue the discovery of the latter, do not hesitate to embark on a gabare for a 40 minutes visit, between nature and history. Terrasson-Lavilledieu is the first city crossed by the Vézère, which contributed to the development of its economy. This walk aims to make you discover the history of this river and its barges, but also that of the city Terrasson-Lavilledieu. The departure pier is located quai du lavoir. It is a nice addition to your visit that will certainly make you want to stroll through the narrow streets of this charming town! Pearl of Terrasson-Lavilledieu, the Gardens of the Imaginary one of the sites impossible to circumvent of the Dordogne.