Eyrignac And Its Gardens: All The New Features For 2026 Of The Périgord's Plant Jewel.
An army of giant ants, picnics clad in all white, and even a sensory trail in the heart of the forest: in 2026, Eyrignac and its Gardens are doubling down on creativity to surprise visitors, winter and summer alike.
A green setting between Sarlat and Lascaux
Between Sarlat and Lascaux, nestled in the Périgord Noir, Eyrignac and its Gardens boast one of the most beautiful collections of topiary art in France. Designed in the 17th and 18th centuries, these French formal gardens create a living decor of hornbeams, yews, boxwoods, and cypresses, maintained every day of the year (yes, even when the winter dew nips at the fingers). The press release reminds us that the site is classified as a Historical Monument: it's fair to say that the stroll feels like a journey through time, without ever leaving the Périgord countryside.
An exhibition abounding with ideas.
From April 1st to November 1st, the estate welcomes artist Annie Soret and her series "Ants at Eyrignac". Along the paths, a veritable army of giant insects strikes a pose. Visitors wander from one small scene to the next, as if nature (with a touch of humor) is reminding us that the very small can become spectacular when the scale is changed. Both young and old should spend a lot of time looking for the next ant... and getting into the perfect photo opportunity!
White Picnics: Summer in Style
Every Monday evening, from July 6 to August 24, it's time for the White Picnics. Dress in light attire, pack your basket, and enjoy a White Garden specially illuminated for the occasion. According to the Eyrignac team, the 2026 edition will feature "even more lights, more music," and an atmosphere designed for enjoyment with family or friends. An important detail to note: spaces are becoming limited in order to preserve the quality of the experience, a good reason to plan ahead.
Games, Challenges, and Workshops: Four Seasons of Fun
At Eyrignac, the calendar doesn't stop at the summer holidays. Winter, Easter, All Saints' Day, Christmas vacations: each period brings its own set of activities. Treasure hunts, Halloween challenges, mischievous elves, or creative breaks, the gardens transform into an adventure playground. You come, you discover, and you leave with a bit of earth on your shoes, a sign of a good day.
Essential appointments on the calendar
Beyond the new features, the estate is bringing back its great classics:
- Opening of the manor during "Châteaux en Fête"
- World Topiary Days
- Rendez-vous aux Jardins
- European Heritage Days
These are all opportunities to (re)visit the site's plant bastions, sometimes from unexpected angles.
Secrets and Well-Being of the Forest
The 2026 vintage unveils a botanical trail named "Secrets and Well-being of the Forest". Head towards the 200 hectares of preserved nature that border the gardens. Wander between open views and cool undergrowth, guided by signposts displaying inspiring quotes and audio QR codes. The goal? A sensory reconnection, at your own pace, away from noise, with only the forest speaking.
The Birds of Eyrignac: A Feathered Symphony
Over 30 bird species have been inventoried at the site, a sign of a thriving biodiversity. With new visitor guides in hand (or rather before their eyes and ears), walkers learn to recognize their small feathered neighbors, whether it's a morning song or a fleeting flap of wings above a sculpted hedge.
A magical treasure hunt
After the booklets for 5-12 year-olds, it's time for a new scavenger hunt open to all: "The Secrets of the Little People of the Gardens." We look for miniature doors, delve into a fairy-tale world, then solve puzzles that change with the seasons. It's a great excuse to come back several times a year (and see if you've finally cracked the mystery!).
Gourmet February: the Manor's kitchen lights up
In the heart of winter, Gourmet February warms the home. Every Monday, the Manor's kitchen invites a local taste artisan. In 2026, the Domaine de Béquignol plans "some delightful sweet surprises." One can already imagine the smell of melting chocolate, the sizzle of a hot frying pan, and the accompanying conversations.
Refreshing break at the restaurant
During the beautiful season, the "Côté Jardin" space offers a menu entirely homemade. Open sandwiches with fresh products, Eyrignac rose ice cream by master ice-cream maker Roland Manouvrier... a duo that appeals as much to the eyes as to the taste buds. Take a seat, look at the Allée des Charmes, proudly nicknamed "the Champs-Élysées of Périgord," and enjoy.
N.B. (Nota Bene)
Topiary Art: This is the art of trimming trees and shrubs to give them decorative shapes (cones, spirals, geometric or more free-form shapes). An ancient discipline that combines patience, precision... and sharp pruning shears.
In practice: heading towards 2026
The team at Eyrignac emphasizes that the estate is open every day of the year, without exception. However, some events do require reservations, a wise precaution, especially for the limited-space White Picnics. For everything else, simply follow the main path, breathe in the scent of the boxwood, and let yourself be guided by the seasonal surprises.
In summary, 2026 promises to be rich: monumental sculpture, nighttime experiences, forest trails, games, treats... All the more reasons to (re)discover this vegetal gem of the Black Périgord and to treat yourself to a green break, whether for a day or longer.
