Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Eyrignac Manor House, located in Salignac-Eyvigues, Dordogne (New Aquitaine), has its origins in the 17th century. A first medieval castel, destroyed during the Fronde des Princes (1648-1653) for his fidelity to Louis XIV, was replaced in 1653 by a manor built by Antoine de Costes de La Calprenede, adviser to Sarlat's presidial. The latter, faithful to the crown, saw his estate looted by the troops of the Grand Condé in retaliation. The current, sober and balanced mansion dates back to this post-conflict reconstruction.

In the 18th century, Louis-Antoine Gabriel de La Calprenède, great-grandson of Antoine and general controller of currencies under Louis XV, radically transformed the estate by setting up a French-style garden. Inspired by Italian villas, this garden reflects the influence of the great classic models of the era, with geometric perspectives and structured beds. This stylistic choice marks the beginning of a major landscape development for Eyrignac.

The 19th century saw the abandonment of classical principles in favour of an English garden, a dominant trend in Europe at that time. Regular amenities give way to more natural and picturesque landscapes, partially erasing the traces of previous gardens. This radical overhaul responds to the new aesthetic cannons advocating a more "wild" and less controlled nature.

In the 1960s, Gilles Sermadiras, a new owner, undertook a bold restoration by returning to the French gardens. Rejecting the plans of the landscapers, he himself searched the land to find the remains of the old gardens (walls, stairs, basins). With his son Patrick, he recreates a unique garden of topiary, mixing Italian, French influences of the Great Century and medieval. This project culminated in the opening to the public in 1987, with emblematic elements such as the Charms alley or the white garden.

The gardens of Eyrignac are distinguished by their stylistic harmony and mastery of topiary art. Classified as a remarkable garden since 2005 and protected as historical monuments since 1986, they have exhibited 300 plant sculptures and 50,000 plants of plants, boxes and charms. Their originality lies in the fusion of styles (Italian Renaissance, classical French, medieval) and colors dominated by green, enhanced by white and red. The estate, with an area of 200 hectares, attracts 80,000 annual visitors (2022).

Among the highlights are the Chinese pagoda (Asian inspiration), the French garden (arabesque boxboard), the pool (bassin reminiscent of Italian gardens), and the white garden, the last project of Gilles Sermadiras. The latter, inspired by Renaissance segreti giardini, is characterized by its fountains and its box embroidery. The garden and florist garden complete this set, combining utility and aesthetics. The gardens are also known for their summer white picnics, tradition launched by the owners.

Architecturally, the mansion consists of a rectangular two-storey house, covered with slates, preceded by a courtyard with two square pavilions. The commons, partially covered with lauze, form two perpendicular wings. The garden is organized around two perpendicular axes: the Charms walkway (100 meters, east-west) and the French garden (south view). These axes structure space, creating a symmetry typical of classical gardens.

Distinguished by several awards, including the Prix Jardins d'Exception EBTS France in 2010, the Jardins d'Eyrignac are part of the Plus Beaux Jardins de France. Their exemplary interview was praised by experts such as Alain Baraton, chief gardener of Versailles, who emphasized their natural greatness despite a rigorous mastery. The estate thus illustrates the sustainability of the historical gardens, reinterpreted with creativity in the 20th century.

Future

The gardens are classified as "Remarkable Garden". They are also part of the association "Les Plus Beaux Jardins de France".

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