The Jardin de Bardot
Description
From the terraced gardens of "Bardot" to the chestnut dryers, this short circular walk in the heart of the Gorges de la Dordogne will delight young and old alike.From the car park, follow the road down towards the Marcillac hydroelectric plant for 300 m. It passes the foot of the surge tank for the penstock, the enclosed pipeline, which brings water from the Valletta dam.Follow the gravel path on the left (signed Jardin de Bardot) for 150 m, make a right-angled turn to the right, and start the descent into the wooded valley with its hornbeam, oak and chestnut trees. The trail passes over the penstock, near a water tower and continues down into the gorges.At the intersection, after a reservoir, continue straight ahead until you reach the junction of the paths. You can access the Dordogne riverbank by continuing straight ahead.Follow the path to the left, climb the steps, pass by a former chestnut dryer, a "séchadour" and enter the Jardin de Bardot (a restored site). Continue along the steep path that begins at the top and to the right of the terraced garden. It zig-zags up the steep slope. On a bend, a path leads to a cave used by the Resistance, 100 m away. At the top, continue to the left on the flat and take the path that goes back up the valley.Continue on the stone path, pass in front of the Pas du Diable, the Fauteuil de Dieu, and the Buse de Granit and you will find a restored "séchadour.Take the track on the left, pass the belvedere of Le Busatier (a panoramic viewpoint looking out over the Dordogne valley; now look up into the sky: peregrine falcons, black and red kites nest nearby) and then find the starting point again.
Technical informations
3.6 km
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max. 517 m
min. 311 m
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Altimetric profile
Starting point
Steps
Conduite forçée
En descendant vers le jardin de Bardot le circuit traverse à plusieurs reprises la conduite forcée de la centrale hydroélectrique EDF. Collectée par le barrage de Marcillac la Croisille, l’eau est acheminée via une galerie souterraine de 4,7km de long puis par une conduite forcée jusqu’à l’usine hydroélectrique située dans les gorges de la Dordogne au bord du barrage du Chastang. Le dénivelé total est de 234m pour une production annuelle moyenne de 60 millions de kWh
Le jardin de Bardot
Vers 1905, Joseph Mas (Bardot) et sa femme Maria créent un jardin en terrasses, dans les gorges de la Dordogne et cultivent fruits et légumes variés, et inconnus (pêches, fraises, raisin, figues). Maria allait ensuite les vendre dans les villages alentours. La réputation du couple dépasse les limites de la commune. A partir des années 30, l’âge, le contexte économique les conduisent peu à peu à la misère. Aujourd’hui, le jardin en terrasses a été reconstruit pour le plaisirs des randonneurs.Vers 1905, Joseph Mas (Bardot) et sa femme Maria créent un jardin en terrasses, dans les gorges de la Dordogne et cultivent fruits et légumes variés, et inconnus (pêches, fraises, raisin, figues). Maria allait ensuite les vendre dans les villages alentours. La réputation du couple dépasse les limites de la commune. A partir des années 30, l’âge, le contexte économique les conduisent peu à peu à la misère. Aujourd’hui, le jardin en terrasses a été reconstruit pour le plaisir des randonneurs.
La grotte des maquis
Durant la seconde guerre mondiale, les gorges de la Dordogne servirent de cachette à de nombreux mouvements de résistance (Armée Secrète, F.T.P.F...). Dénommée « grotte des maquis », ce refuges est constitué d'un simple abri sous roche. Il a abrité l'un des premiers groupes armés des Francs Tirailleurs Partisans Français appelé Leopold Rechossière.
Buse de granit
Sculpture en granit d’un rapace qui rappelle la diversité remarquable de ces gorges de la Dordogne pour la reproduction des oiseaux de proie.
Sechadour
Petit bâtiment en pierre rénové, destiné au séchage des châtaignes. Celles-ci étaient disposées sur des clayettes sur le plancher de l’étage. Un petit feu, alimenté pendant plusieurs jours en-dessous, permettait de sécher les châtaignes. De nombreux vestiges de séchoir ou séchadour sont présents sur ce secteur. Ils témoignent d’une activité importante de production et de transport par gabarres de châtaignes au cours du XIXème siècle.
Point de vue du Busatier
Un point de vue remarquable sur la retenue du barrage du Chastang et sur les pentes escarpées et boisées des Gorges de la Dordogne.
Points of interest
Le jardin de Bardot
Around 1905, Joseph Mas (Bardot) and his wife Maria created a terraced garden in the Dordogne valley and cultivated various fruits and vegetables, some unfamiliar (peaches, strawberries, grapes, figs). Maria would then sell them in the surrounding villages. The couple's reputation extends beyond the boundaries of the commune. From the 1930s, their age and the economic situation gradually led them into poverty. Today, the terraced garden has been rebuilt for the enjoyment of hikers.Around 1905, Joseph Mas (Bardot) and his wife Maria created a terraced garden in the Gorges de la Dordogne and cultivated various and unfamiliar fruits and vegetables (peaches, strawberries, grapes and figs). Maria would then sell them in the surrounding villages. The couple's reputation extends beyond the boundaries of their commune. From the 1930s, their age and the economic situation gradually led them into poverty. Today, the terraced garden has been rebuilt for the enjoyment of hikers.
The Cave of the Maquis
During the Second World War, the Dordogne valley was used as a hiding place by many resistance movements (Armée Secrète, F.T.P.F., etc.). Known as the "Cave of the Maquis", this refuge is just a simple rock shelter. It was home to one of the first armed groups of the Francs Tirailleurs French Partisans, called Leopold Rechossière.
Chestnut dryer
Small renovated stone building for drying chestnuts. These were placed on shelves on the floor of the first floor. A small fire, left alight for several days below, allowed the chestnuts to dry. There are many remains of dryers or kilns in this area. They testify to an important activity during the 19th century; the production and transportation of chestnuts by barge.
The Busatier Viewpoint
A remarkable view of the reservoir of the Chastang dam and the steep, wooded slopes of the Gorges de la Dordogne.
Additional information
Advised parking
The start of the Busatier trail, Nougein
Advice
After it passes through the Jardin de Bardot, the rocky path becomes steep and sloping as it zig-zags upwards.
Access
6.5 km from Marcillac la Croisille, take the D18 then turn left onto the Nougein municipal road, go through the hamlet of Nougein; the car park is on the left, 500 m away.
Ambiance
Bardot was the nickname of Joseph Mas who, with his wife, set out to become a market gardener at the beginning of the 20th centuryin the sunny Dordogne valley. Come and explore their terraced gardens.
Arrival
The Busatier trail near Nougein, Marcillac la Croisille
Departure
The Busatier trail near Nougein, Marcillac la Croisille
