Every Monday evening in summer, the gardens of Eyrignac are transformed. The centuries-old topiary, the five pools of the White Garden and the immaculate lawns of the Manoir at Salignac-Eyvigues become the setting for a great open-air celebration, where hundreds of guests dressed entirely in white come to picnic, dance and mark the summer together. In 2026, the White Picnics take place every Monday from 6 July to 24 August, from 7pm to 11pm. An evening not to be missed, about an hour from Domaine de Pouzelande.
The gardens of Eyrignac: a setting like no other
Listed as a Historic Monument and awarded the Remarkable Garden label, the gardens of Eyrignac are one of the most extraordinary sites in Périgord Noir. The same family has owned and tended the estate for over five centuries. Across ten hectares, hand-clipped hornbeams, yews and boxwood create volumes, shaded walkways and perspectives that combine French rigour with a genuine sense of fantasy. The White Garden, at the heart of the summer evenings, takes its name from the white rose garden that borders it and the pale limestone of its basins. When the evening light catches the topiary and the valley of Périgord Noir stretches out below, the setting needs no introduction.
How the evening unfolds
The gates of the White Garden open at 7pm. Early arrivals choose their patch of lawn, spread their blankets and unpack their provisions in the warm July light. The mood is lounge at first: soft music drifts over the conversations and aperitifs. As the evening progresses, the music grows. New in 2026, performances combining DJ sets and live saxophone gradually shift the atmosphere from elegant dinner to full open-air party under the stars. The night always ends the same way: a fireworks display that lights up the valley sky and closes the evening in style.
The white dress code: far more than a rule
An all-white outfit is compulsory to enter the evening. This is not an incidental detail; it is what creates the visual magic of the event. The moment guests step into the garden, the effect is immediate. Hundreds of white-clad figures stand out against the green lawns and the golden limestone of the manor in the fading evening light, in a scene that would stop any photographer in their tracks. Dark, coloured, beige or off-white clothing is not permitted. For those travelling light, the boutique C'Tendance in Sarlat offers a 20% discount on white clothing when you show your White Picnics ticket.
Bring your own picnic or order from the chef
The format is straightforward: guests bring their own picnic. Blankets, glasses, something cool to drink and something good to eat are all part of the ritual. For those who prefer to arrive empty-handed, the Côté Jardins restaurant prepares picnic hampers to collect on site on the evening of your visit. Advance booking is required and can be made directly with the restaurant at +33 5 53 28 99 71. A cocktail bar and an ice cream bar are available throughout the evening.
Everything you need to know before you go
The White Picnics welcome all ages: children, adults and grandparents alike. Entry includes free access to the gardens from 7pm onwards. Buying tickets online in advance is strongly recommended to avoid queuing at the gate. Dogs are not permitted during the evenings. There is no need to reserve a specific spot: guests choose their own place on the lawns on arrival. A blanket or light jacket is worth bringing for the end of the evening, when the air cools under the stars.
Dates: every Monday from 6 July to 24 August 2026. Hours: 7pm to 11pm. Address: Eyrignac et ses Jardins, 24590 Salignac-Eyvigues. Tickets: eyrignac.com
Domaine de Pouzelande, your base for the evening
About an hour from Domaine de Pouzelande, Eyrignac makes an ideal Monday evening outing during a Périgord holiday. Returning to the domaine after the fireworks, stepping back into the silence of the countryside and waking up to a homemade breakfast the following morning: choosing the right base is part of what makes the evening complete.