Those looking for an idyllic French getaway need look no further than wine estate Château de Mercuès in France’s Lot Valley, which has an array of exciting new additions.
From a temporary exhibition by famed Portuguese artist Mario Chichorro, and a new electric car partnership with BMW, to the launch of a decadent Tea Time Menu, Tasting Menu and an exclusive Rooftop Soiree event, there are a plethora of reasons to visit the stunning chateau in 2019.
WHAT’S NEW
Château de Mercuès opens Mario Chichorro Exhibition
The chateau is delighted to announce that from now until the 11th November it will be hosting an exhibition of works by famed Portuguese artist Mario Chichorro. Chateau proprietors Bertrand and Christine Vigouroux are avid art lovers, and each year they select one artist to exhibit their work.
From historical bas-reliefs exuding humour to colourful painting featuring an array of techniques including oil on canvas and acrylic on chipboard, visitors can interact with 81 of the modern contemporary artist’s paintings and sculptures. Pieces are exhibited throughout the chateau in the reception, corridors, stairs, bar, lounge and dining room.
The exhibition is open daily from 2pm to 6pm and is free to visit.
Explore the Lot Valley in a 100% Electric BMW i3
Until 13th September guests can take to the road and explore the beautiful Lot Valley in the new BMW i3 for free, courtesy of an exclusive new partnership between BMW and Relais& Châteaux (Château de Mercuès is a member).
The electric car provides guests with the freedom to visit the picturesque villages and stunning castles of Occitania and visit one of the many wineries in the region, all just a short drive from the chateau.
The car is available to all guests staying at Château de Mercuès, but pre-booking is required. Terms and conditions apply.
Château de Mercuès launches Time for Tea Menu
Decadent pastries featuring the finest ingredients and an array of beautifully infused tea and aromatic coffees; as Lewis Carroll wrote ‘it’s always teatime’ and that’s why the chateau’s English pastry chef Steven Bott has developed an exclusive Tea Time Menu.
Served daily from 3pm to 5:30pm, Bott’s menu features delights such as almond and coffee layered cake with a dark chocolate glaze, elegant meringue swan filled with a bellefleur sparkling rose wine mousse, cream and strawberries, and muffins with raspberry filling and vanilla cream. The Tea Time Menu costs from €25 per person and includes three delicious pastries and a beverage of your choice.
Michelin Star Chef launches new Tasting Menu Opuscule de Juillet
Chef Julien Poisot’s has developed an exciting new Tasting Menu for the chateau’s fine dining restaurant Le Duèze. Available Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, the Opuscule de Juillet Tasting Menu showcases the finest ingredients from the region. Guests can expect courgette flower stuffed with girolles and Melanosporum truffle accompanied by a Gascon black pork pig’s trotter confit, fresh crab and gourmand green peas served with royal caviar from Patrossian and crunchy potato, and roasted sweetbread grenobloise “style”. The menu is available throughout summer but is subject to change.
Château de Mercuès Develops Chef Table Concept
Those looking for a gastronomic experience with a difference now have the opportunity to sit down in the kitchen of chef Poisot and dine at the exclusive five-seater Chef’s Table. Poisot has develop nine exceptional dishes that showcase the delights of the Occitanie region and its quality seasonal produce, from Quercy Lamb and Aubrac Beef to the Tuber melanosporum of Lalbenque, mushrooms and chanterelles.
Sommelier Maude Fortin has gathered a superb wine list and pairings, which includes an array of vintages from the Cahors vineyard and Georges Vigouroux’s great Malbecs.
Current menu is available until 11th November 2019 and costs from €200 per person. Wine supplement €110 per person.
Rooftop Soiree Event – Friday 30th August
The perfect start to the weekend, on the evening of Friday 30th August the chateau will host a Rooftop Soiree featuring a cocktail Mixology Masterclass with sommelier Maude Fortin, cooking demonstrations and canapes from Michelin star chef Julien Poisot, and the perfect symphony of pop ’n’ jazz music courtesy of talented local duo Karima and Oliver.
Taking place on the 2nd floor terrace with breath-taking views across the Lot Valley and city of Cahors, the evening begins with the Mixology Masterclass from 5:30pm to 6:30pm (€35 per person), followed by a Musical Soiree of canapes, cooking demonstrations, live music and cocktails from 7pm to 9pm (€55 per person including two cocktails and canapes). Booking in advance recommended.
Château de Mercuès awarded Gold Grand Prix
Earlier this year Château de Mercuès was awarded a prestigious Wine Tourism Trophie, the Grand Prix d’Or in the category “Stay at the property”. A globally recognised award, the trophies are organized by the tourist development agency Atout France and the famous magazine Terre de Vins and highlight the chateau’s commitment to developing strong oenotourism solutions. Just 30 properties from 14 French wine regions received a trophy with over 350 applications.
Classic rooms at Château de Mercuès start from €270 a night in August 2019.
For more details or to book, visit www.chateaudemercues.com
