Restaurant & shop
Discover our new restaurant, relax in the shop and take home an authentic Hautefort souvenir!
Winter shutdown
We are closed for the winter.
We look forward to welcoming you back from 1 April 2026.
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French gardens
du Château de Hautefort
Historic gardens in Dordogne
French-style gardens have existed at Hautefort since the 17th century. These were redeveloped over the following centuries to make way for the gardens you can admire today. Enjoy a moment of contemplation and discovery at the foot of the Château de Hautefort.
The only formal gardens in Dordogne
Following in the footsteps of André Le Nôtre, who designed the sumptuous flowerbeds of Versailles for the Sun King, the classical age saw the emergence of French-style gardens in the finest residences of the time. Hautefort is no exception: from the 17th century right up to the present day, the tradition of topiary art, boxwood embroidery, parterre arabesques and plant sculptures has been perpetuated. Today, continuing to combine passion and expertise, our gardeners skilfully shape these 3 hectares of formal gardens, combining traditional methods with rational management of the landscape heritage.
Free guided tour every day
Boxwood sculptures and embroidery
In 1853, the Count of Choulot undertook a complete overhaul of the gardens at Hautefort at the request of Baron Maxence de Damas, owner of château de Hautefort through his marriage to Charlotte de Hautefort in 1818. Choulot's ambitious plan for Hautefort reflected his desire to integrate the château, gardens, park and surrounding landscape into a coherent and valuable whole. The former forecourt was laid out as formal gardens, with lawn parterres bordered by flower beds. Another ordered parterre was created at the foot of the courtyard terrace.
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The transformation of the garden continued into the 20th century.th The castle was renovated in the 19th century by the Baron and Baroness de Bastard, mainly between 1950 and 1980. On the esplanade, a green gallery of Canadian cedar, lined with a boxwood parterre, replaces the former outbuildings destroyed at the end of the 19th century.th century. The flowerbeds designed by Choulot have been retained, but the lawns and flowers have been replaced by boxwood and topiary (the art of sculpting plants). The terrace to the north is also planted with pruned boxwood, alternating with yew columns. Set out on terraces around the château, the formal gardens form a green setting for an unforgettable stroll.
The transformation of the garden continued into the 20th century.th The castle was renovated in the 19th century by the Baron and Baroness de Bastard, mainly between 1950 and 1980. On the esplanade, a green gallery of Canadian cedar, lined with a boxwood parterre, replaces the former outbuildings destroyed at the end of the 19th century.th century. The flowerbeds designed by Choulot have been retained, but the lawns and flowers have been replaced by boxwood and topiary (the art of sculpting plants). The terrace to the north is also planted with pruned boxwood, alternating with yew columns. Set out on terraces around the château, the formal gardens form a green setting for an unforgettable stroll.
A view of the Dordogne landscape
An exceptional panorama opens up over the lush green valleys of the Dordogne. Designed in keeping with classical aesthetics, this geometric garden highlights the majesty of the château and naturally guides the eye towards the horizon. From the square courtyard, perched on a promontory, the view stretches across an undulating landscape of forests, meadows and typical Périgord villages. This enchanting setting, a blend of nature and heritage, is a perfect illustration of the harmony between architecture and the environment. The colours of the landscape change with the seasons, offering an ever-changing spectacle. A place of inspiration and contemplation, the Hautefort estate invites you to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of the Périgord region.
The gardens in figures
Hautefort is more than 3 hectares of boxwood flowerbeds punctuated by surprisingly shaped topiaries, pruned entirely by hand twice a year. A more unusual feature is the planted pergola, a long tunnel of greenery almost 70 metres long, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink. The immense espalier of magnolias overlooks the Hautefort flowerbed, made up of 10,000 boxwood plants...
Taking action for the planet
We favour a policy of sustainable management of green spaces. 100% of boxwood pruning is carried out using hand shears, and 30% for yew pruning. Shredded plants are used to make mulch, which reduces evaporation and enriches the soil.
Discover the Hautefort estate
A tour of a castle with gardens in Dordogne
The castle
The gardens
The English park
Experiences
Visit to château de Hautefort
Tickets
Book your tickets online to avoid waiting at the box office and take advantage of all our special offers
The Castle with commentary
Every day, our teams of guides offer free guided tours of the Château and its formal gardens.
Our routes
The Marquis' private flats, immersive room, kitchens, discover Hautefort as you've never seen it in 2025.
Events calendar
Discover, share and experience Hautefort. Take part in our evening events, bread oven and cinema workshops, not forgetting our guided tours!
Tickets
Book your tickets online to avoid waiting at the box office and take advantage of all our special offers
The Castle with commentary
Every day, our teams of guides offer free guided tours of the Château and its formal gardens.
Our routes
The Marquis' private flats, immersive room, kitchens, discover Hautefort as you've never seen it in 2025.
Events calendar
Discover, share and experience Hautefort. Take part in our evening events, bread oven and cinema workshops, not forgetting our guided tours!
Discover the Hautefort estate
Parks and châteaux to visit in the Dordogne
Daily entertainment
Every day, Château de Hautefort strives to give you the best possible insight into its history. That's why your admission ticket includes a guided tour of the...
The English-style grounds of the château
The English park was born in the 18th century under the influence of philosophers and artists such as the poet Alexander Pope, who advocated a return to nature.
The formal gardens of Château de Hautefort
Hautefort has had formal gardens since the 17th century. These were redeveloped over the following centuries to give way to a...
Hautefort Castle in the heart of the Dordogne
Château de Hautefort, the jewel in the crown of Périgord, boasts a rich history and grandiose architecture. In 2025, the Fondation du chât...
