Fortified vineyard outpost
Sunlit stone ramparts, courtyard aperitifs, and quiet strolls through the rows cultivate an unhurried rhythm high above the Lot river.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Thirteenth-century fortified summer residence of the Bishops of Cahors, set high above the Lot Valley.
Remarkable
Sommelier-led tastings of estate Malbec cuvées and menus showcasing Lalbenque black truffles and Quercy lamb.
Notable
Restored medieval towers and defensive ramparts housing authentic bedrooms with exposed timber beams and stone masonry.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Guest rooms are individually decorated but all are impossibly rich, some with stone walls and exposed timbers, others more refined…
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On a rocky promontory over the Lot Valley, surrounded by thirty-two hectares of estate Malbec vineyards.
The rooms
Individually styled bedrooms showcase exposed timber beams, stone masonry, and antique tapestries, looking out across the valley or estate gardens.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 25-meter outdoor pool sits among cedar trees, looking out over the lush valley landscape.
Tennis and trails
An outdoor tennis court borders the estate woods, where four kilometers of private walking trails wind through the park.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
La Table de Mercuès
Dinners unfold in the vaulted dining room or courtyard terrace, with dishes centered around local black truffles and lamb.
Hotel Bar
Velvet stools pull up to a dark wood counter for pre-dinner aperitifs and cocktails.
At the table
Beneath the castle, vaulted underground cellars hold rows of oak barrels for sommelier-led tastings of estate Malbec.
How it began

Once the thirteenth-century summer residence for the Bishops of Cahors, the fortress was acquired in 1983 by winemaker Georges Vigouroux to restore its vineyards.
Good to know
Stay here
Chateau De Mercues
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.