Photo of Les Jardins de l'Imaginaire

Visit Les Jardins de l'Imaginaire

The Jardins de l'Imaginaire are a distinctly modern garden with a lovely setting overlooking the attractive town of Terrasson-Lavilledieu in the Perigord Noir region of the Dordogne.

Explore the Jardins de l'Imaginaire

The ticket office of the Jardins de l'Imaginaire is in a beautiful old building on the edge of the Place de Genouillac in the old town of Terrasson. A guided visit of the garden leads uphill from here and winds past all the main features of the garden.

view of Terrasson from the gardens

The tour initially winds up along a path through the woods where a ribbon of copper winds around the tree tops to give the woods a contemporary feel. As well as the natural woodland there are various sections of shaped box hedging and the addition of flowering plants such as hydrangeas to add to the woodland views.

The pathway leads to a modern ampitheatre with wonderful views over the lovely town of Terrasson. You can also see the flat roof of the greenhouse below which has been kept flat to evoke a sort of mirror of water when looking at it.

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Long borders of blue nepetas and other largely blue flowers cross the hillside and provide a visual link with the blue slate roofs of Terrasson below. 

On to the furthest point of the garden and the wonderful area of water jets which is a favourite for many visitors to the garden. The water fountains are a wonderful feature and also provide a welcome freshness to the garden especially in summer. You can walk in amongst the fountains to get the full benefit of the refreshing sprays of water.

A long cascade of water also leads down to the fountain area and the edges of the cascade and fountain area are planted with a selection of plants and shrubs.

The return journey takes you past the wonderful blue structure supporting and surrounded by more than 2000 roses. This must be stunning in June when the rose season is at its peak but even in late July it was full of colour.

Les Jardins de l'Imaginaire

The final destination in the garden is a modern greenhouse made of stone, metal and glass.

All in all in the garden there are 2000 roses, 20,000 perennials, 120 water jets and 8000 trees and shrubs to explore in the garden. 

Les Jardins de l'Imaginaire have been classified as a 'Jardin Remarquable'.

Visiting the Jardins de l'Imaginaire

Opening hours:

All visits to the gardens are accompanied by a guide. A visit takes just over 1 hour.

May, June, September and October: 10.00-11.30 and from 14.00-17.30, closed Tuesdays.

July and August: 10.00-18.00, every day.

Entrance: 7.50 euros for adults , 4.50 euros for ages 10-18 and students and free to under 10s.

The garden is in the town of Terrasson - head uphill and you will come to it.

Places to visit nearby

Be sure to visit the town of Terrasson when you visit the gardens. It is a very attractive town.

Also nearby are Montignac and the Lascaux Caves. Not to be missed as part of a visit to the Dordogne

See also: 

Photos of Les Jardins de l'Imaginaire

Click any picture to start the gallery

  • blue-borders
  • cascade
  • fountains
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  • greenhouse
  • open-air-theatre
  • path
  • pond
  • rill
  • rose-garden
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  • view-terrasson
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Map of Les Jardins de l'Imaginaire and places to visit

 
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Les Jardins de l'Imaginaire places to visit

Terrasson

Terrasson

Terrasson is a very attractive town with its pale stone walls and slate roofs.

Terrasson guide
Condat-sur-Vezere

Condat-sur-Vezere

Condat sur Vezere is a small village with a cascade of water next to the main square.

Condat-sur-Vezere guide
Saint Amand de Coly

Saint Amand de Coly

Saint Amand de Coly is one of the most beautiful villages of France.

Saint Amand de Coly guide
Montignac

Montignac

Montignac is a lovely riverside village and home to the Lascaux caves.

Montignac guide
Lascaux caves

Lascaux caves

The Lascaux caves are filled with awesome prehistoric paintings.

Lascaux caves guide
Badefols-d'Ans

Badefols-d'Ans

Badefols d'Ans is a pretty visit with an attractive church and chateau.

Badefols-d'Ans guide
 
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