Château de Mercuès looks out over France’s Lot valley and Cahors vineyards
If the thought of a castle stay evokes images of dungeons and sleeping in drafty, cold rooms decorated with heavy wooden furniture, think again. I had the pleasure of staying overnight at Château de Mercuès in the Midi-Pyrénées region of southern France. This four-star, 30 room Relais & Châteaux hotel is anything but dreary. In fact, this dreamy castle was once the bishop’s summer palace in the 13th century. Fortunately for guests, the property has been updated and renovated by Architect Axel Letellier. The castle has everything you’ll need to make your stay magical; it even has wifi.
River & vineyard views from the castle
With six suites and 24 guest rooms there are plenty of rooms with a view. All rooms are non-smoking and offer in room safe, mini bar, telephone, LCD TV, desk, shower or bath and air conditioning. My spacious room, #21, had a tub with detachable shower hose, as well as a wonderful view looking out the window to the Lot valley, river and vineyards.
Sleep like a king of the castle at Chateau de Mercues
Dine like a prince at Château de Mercuès
Foodies will want to dine at Chef Philippe Combet’s restaurant featuring regional Quercy specialties such as lamb and duck, as well as local ingredients like saffron and black truffle. For wine lovers, you have landed in the heart of wine country. This is Malbec grape growing country. Be sure to visit the underground wine cellars featuring Georges Vigouroux’s wines during your stay.
Château de Mercuès looks out over France’s Lot valley and the Cahors vineyards. There are exceptional views from the garden to the terrace and in the bedrooms.
The view of Lot valley, river and Cahors vineyards from my room
Family-friendly, pet-friendly castle
Children will delight in the outdoor swimming pool, but be warned, the pool is not-heated and there is no supervision provided. The property also offers a tennis court, a park with trails for running and walking, and bicycles are available, as well. The castle is pet-friendly and offers onsite parking.
If You Go:
Château de Mercuès (+ 33) 5 65 20 00 01
Cahors, France
Article written by Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. All photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Château de Mercuès.
For more information on France, visit Atout France and Midi-Pyrenees Regional Tourism Board.
Nice pictures, Thank you for your post !