Easter Holiday Activities at Donjon, Manoir et Jardin de la Salle
Visit an authentic historical monument in the heart of one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France and the Vézère Valley. For the Easter holidays, from April 4th to May 3rd, the medieval complex is adorned with the colors of spring, the garden flowers are in bloom, and little dragons are hiding in the park for a family egg hunt, with Flammèche leading an exciting puzzle game.
- Fossils and Fantastic Creatures Workshop on April 5th, 6th, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, in the afternoon, in the Manor’s attic… With Mélody and her incredible secrets about legendary animals.
- Puzzle game with Flammèche every day, all day long. Easter eggs to enjoy! 😉
Fossils and Fantastic Creatures Workshops
We all know about fossils, but do we really know what they are? It is paleontology that tells us about the origin of these strange stones! Animals… Plants… And why not fantastic creatures? Legends and beliefs associated with fossils are presented to you by Mélody, an ethnologist as fascinating as she is a teacher, during workshops in the attic of the Manoir de la Salle, a den of chimerical fossils… A magical and natural atmosphere, like in an apothecary’s office! Will we see dragon or unicorn powder?
- Melody’s workshops will take place (always in the afternoon) in 2026: April 5, 6, 8, 15, 22, and 29.
- In the summer: Wednesdays from August 8 to 26.
- For All Saints’ Day: October 21 and 28.
Practical herbalism workshops
Have you always dreamed of knowing how to use aromatic and medicinal plants from the garden? Trust Catherine Heine, a graduate of the Lyonnaise school of medicinal plants. After a brief introduction, we get to the heart of the matter! Catherine takes you to the medieval vegetable patch in our garden, where plants with medicinal properties and full of virtues are grown. Catherine reviews these seeds, leaves, flowers and invites you to smell, taste and touch. We then head to the Herbalist’s, inside the dungeon, to learn how these plants are used by the apothecaries of the Middle Ages. How can we benefit from this knowledge for the family pharmacy (this is not medical advice, but common sense and taste)?
- Catherine’s workshops will take place in 2026 (always in the morning): May 14 and 15; May 24 and 25.
- In the summer: Tuesday mornings from August 7 to 25.
Opera at the castle: Carmen by Più di Voce
This summer, the Donjon, Manoir et Jardin de la Salle in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, in the heart of the Vézère Valley in the Dordogne, hosts an exceptional performance of Carmen, the legendary opera by Georges Bizet, considered one of the most frequently performed operas in the world. Presented as part of the 20th anniversary of PIÙ DI VOCE, the Périgord Academy of Lyric and Musical Art, this production celebrates one of the masterpieces of 19th-century French opera. Inspired by Prosper Mérimée’s famous novella, the work recounts the tragic passion between the free-spirited and elusive gypsy Carmen and the brigadier Don José, torn apart by possessive love. Driven by famous arias, vibrant choruses, and music of unique dramatic intensity, Carmen immerses the audience in the sultry atmosphere of Seville, a city of seduction, freedom, and tragic destiny, for an unforgettable evening of opera.
- The performance will take place on Wednesday, July 29th. Reservations can be made through Più di Voce.
Theatre evening with the Companions of Ulysses (in French)
This summer, in the gardens of the Donjon, Manoir et Jardin de la Salle in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, an open-air theatre performance invites audiences to rediscover Victor Hugo’s Ruy Blas as part of the Rêve en Vézère festival. Presented by Les Compagnons d’Ulysse, a professional company specializing for over 14 years in performing theatre in historical monuments, this interactive and family-friendly production features three actors who revisit this great classic of Romantic theatre, offering a lively and immersive experience in the heart of a heritage site in the Vézère Valley in the Dordogne.
- The performance will take place on Friday, July 24th. Reservations can be made with Les Compagnons d’Ulysse.
Special evenings at the Dungeon, Manor and Garden of La Salle
Several times a year, the site hosts exhibitions, concerts or shows. We will keep you informed of these unique opportunities to discover it at night. It is a magical place which offers a beautiful setting for shows of all kinds. Contact us if you are interested in hosting an event with us.
The Facebook Page of the Dungeon, Manor and Garden of La Salle
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