Marqueyssac Candlelight evenings: a magical summer evening in Périgord Noir

I attended the first Candlelight Evening of the 2026 season, and it was a complete success — a true feast for the senses, with a wonderful atmosphere and mild weather. The evening begins at the château with the Fairy Godmothers: a gentle, poetic stilt‑walking performance. A little further on, near the tea room, a jazz pianist was accompanied by one of the estate’s peacocks, which punctuated the concert with its unmistakable calls. Musical performances are then spread across several spots throughout the gardens, making it easy to stroll despite the large number of visitors. Each show is repeated every hour, ensuring you won’t miss a thing and allowing you to enjoy the evening at your own pace.

The themes are wonderfully diverse: Indian dances, a saxophone quartet blending music and humour, an Irish duo, and lounge music with a DJ under the Allée des Arches — among many other surprises. In addition to the thousands of candles lining the pathways, stunning lighting effects reveal the remarkable trees and rocky cliffs all along the walk.

Plan to arrive around 8 p.m. (depending on the month) to enjoy the sunset behind the Château de Beynac from the terrace. The tea room offers drinks and sweet treats to enjoy while taking in one of the finest panoramas in the Périgord Noir. As a bonus, a foie gras tasting by Maison Pélégris and a Castelnau champagne bar were set up for this first evening — a fun coincidence, knowing that the Château de Castelnaud overlooks the valley directly opposite the gardens. They should be back throughout the summer. Further along the path, the crêperie is open, and beer flows freely at the bar near the Irish duo.

When the last light of day fades and thousands of candles take over, the gardens reveal an atmosphere entirely different from daytime. An experience I wholeheartedly recommend during any stay in Périgord Noir.

Logistics
Online booking is mandatory.
Allow about a 40‑minute drive from La Borie d’Asplat.
Parking fills up quickly, but you’ll find a few spaces at the bottom, near the entrance.
No dress code (it’s not a white party like at Eyrignac).
Children are welcome, and a few activities are designed especially for them.