For guests seeking the ultimate historic French retreat for 2017, Château de Mercuès in the Occitanie region has developed a selection of breaks to showcase the very best of the local area
HOUSED IN a magnificent 13th century castle, guests of Château de Mercuès can choose from three incredible packages which have been created to suit every taste, from historians to wine connoisseurs, and with enough activities to keep even the most active family entertained. As Château de Mercuès re-opens for the season on 24 March 2017, now is the perfect opportunity to book one of the hotel’s unmissable packages.
Situated a short distance from the historic riverside city of Cahors in Lot, south-west France, this magnificent 13th century castle is built high on a rock promontory, and was the summer residence of Counts and Bishops of Cahors for 700 years before being transformed in 1983 by local winegrower Georges Vigouroux into a prestigious wine estate. Now owned and operated under his son, Bertrand-Gabriel Vigouroux, this 30-room luxury hotel boasts 40 hectares of Malbec vines, an underground winery and ageing cellar underneath the castle terrace.
Chef Julien Poisot oversees the two superior restaurants – Le Duèze and Le Bistrot du Château – renowned for their Lot-inspired menus featuring abundant, regional produce, in particular the estate’s own-grown black Lalbenque truffles, saffron and local Quercy lamb. The wine list includes several of the château’s great Malbec wines, along with selected vintages from nearby Château de Haute-Serre, the original Vigouroux family vineyard. Chateau de Haute-Serre celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2016.
For wine lovers, The Malbec Discovery includes a visit and wine tasting at Château de Mercuès and Chateau de Haute Serre’s impressive wineries. If it is history that guests are seeking, Château de Mercuès has this in abundance with its Patrimonial Discovery package, which includes a visit to the medieval village of Saint Cirq-Lapopie and a guided tour of Chateau Cenevieres. The Family Experience is sure to thrill and delight every family member as they explore prehistoric caves, take an adventure through the treetops and head out in a canoe.
The Malbec Discovery includes overnight accommodation in a classic room with buffet breakfast; visit of both Château de Mercuès and Chateau de Haute Serre’s wineries with tastings of three wines at each Chateau, 3-course dinner at Le Dueze fine dining restaurant in Mercues and 3-course lunch at La table de Haute Serre. (Excluding drinks), From €459 based upon two people sharing.
Family Experience includes overnight accommodation in two connecting rooms with buffet breakfast; 3-course meal in their fine dining restaurant Le Dueze for the family; choice of one of the following activities: Le Gouffre de Padirac (underground caves); Les Grottes de Pech Merle (prehistoric caves); karting; treetop adventure; canoeing; canyoning or Plage des Pterosaures (unique palaeontological experience). From €799 based on two adults and two children.
Patrimonial Discovery includes accommodation for two nights with buffet breakfast. Day 1 – Visit Les Grottes de Pech Merle followed by a discovery of the medieval village of Saint Cirq-Lapopie; a guided visit of Chateau Cenevieres (historical castle); and 3-course dinner in La table de Haute Serre. Day 2 – Visit Le Gouffre de Padirac followed by 3-course lunch at Chateau de la Treyne; discover Rocamadour and visit Moulin de Cougnaguet (Mill). Upon return to the hotel, 3-course dinner in Le Dueze. From €869 based on two sharing (car hire is not included) available Thursday to Sunday.
If you are simply looking for overnight accommodation, Chateau de Mercues is offering an Early Bird deal, where 10 per cent reduction is available for bookings between now and March 2017. Guests looking to make the most of these incredible packages and deals can book now via the hotel website www.chateaudemercues.com
