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Origin and history

Majolan Park is a public park located in Blanquefort (Gironde), designed between 1870 and 1880 by landscaper Louis Le Breton for banker Jean Gustave Piganeau. The latter, after marrying Joseph Prom's daughter (owner of the Dulamon estate), transformed a swamp into a baroque romantic park inspired by Parisian achievements. The project was intended to demonstrate his wealth and, according to legend, to comfort his sick daughter. The Jalle was diverted to create a lake of 4 hectares, and 150,000 m3 of land were moved to shape the landscape.

After Piganeau's bankruptcy, the estate was sold and partially abandoned before being bought by a farmer. In the 1950s, a guinguette was installed there. The commune of Blanquefort became its owner in 1975 and opened to the public in 1984. The park, registered with the Historical Monuments (grottes in 1987, together in 2007), was completely renovated between 2007 and 2008 for 3 million euros, under the direction of landscapers Graziella Barsacq and Fabien Pédelborde, and the Mosaïst artist Danielle Justes.

The park illustrates the technical know-how of the late 19th century, with its artificial lime caves, canyons, fountains and hydraulic geysers. The false ruins, the varied bridges (gothic, wrought iron, "false wood") and the rocks create a picturesque atmosphere. The caves, designed as a labyrinth, are home to mosaïque rooms, including one serving as a pier on the lake. A decorated gazebo overlooks the ensemble, offering views of the water bodies and the islands connected by bridges.

The restoration work of the 2000s restored the park's original radiance, while preserving its historical features. Today, it is a popular place to walk from the Bordelais, mixing industrial heritage, landscape art and local history. Locks, valves and mosaics recall the original ambition: to create an artificial natural setting, symbol of luxury and ingenuity.

The adjacent castle, rebuilt in 1862 by Joseph Prom, was transformed into a sumptuous residence at the end of the 19th century. The caves, first registered in 1987, are a remarkable example of an architectural trompe-l'oeil, with their metal studs and clasps imitating natural rock. Their hydraulic system, still partially functional, bears witness to the technical advances of the time.

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