Visiting Eyrignac and its Gardens

Eyrignac is a place where tradition lives on. For the last 500 years, 22 generations of the same family have lived on this land. Eyrignac means “where water flows” and in Occitan “ey” means “water”. It is based on this age-old tradition that Gilles Sermadiras, the father of the current owner, Patrick Sermadiras, created each aspect of the gardens in the 1960’s, designing them as a tribute to the French gardens of the 17th century. The gardens at Eyrignac are a favourite in the Dordogne due to the extraordinary plant sculptures. This gem is a unique display of the artistry of topiary in France. Three hundred Yews, Box, Hornbeam and Cypress trees are expertly hand clipped by six gardeners using the traditional methods of times gone by, working with shears, cords and plumb lines.

Adjacent to the structured gardens and providing a rural dimension is a colourful and poetic world, a source of life and of colour. Separated only by a charming walkway of weeping cedars, the vegetable garden and the flower garden also reflect the feminine influence of its owner Capucine Sermadiras, who wanted to bring the garden into the house with a beautiful bouquet of flowers or a wholesome basket of vegetables.

Feel free to wander in the gardens at your own pace; assisted by the Visitor’s map (available in six languages French, English, Spanish, Dutch, German, Italian which you will be provided with at Reception.
Follow the numerous information boards which line your route and learn about the maintenance, the history or tips for your own garden.
Or alternatively, follow our step by step interactive guide by hiring an iPod touch (available in four languages : French, English, Spanish and Dutch).

The 2,5 and 4,5km botanical paths invite you to discover plants of the Périgord, their virtues
and their use. Easily accessible, ideally shady, they will lead you to the contemplation of the surrounding hills from the orientation table overhanging the gardens.
Nature, calm and discovery await you for a very special moment.