Things To Do in and Around the Château

If you’re thinking of arriving early or staying a little longer, Julie’s native Lot Valley and Périgord region are incredible places to slow down, explore, and enjoy some French countryside magic. The region is known for its medieval architecture, river landscapes, and rich wine and food traditions.

Tour & Taste the Château’s Wine Cellars

Château de Mercuès produces its own estate wines, including the region’s famous Cahors Malbec. Guests can explore the château’s historic underground cellars, and enjoy guided wine tastings, all without leaving the property.

Relax by the Pool & Grounds

Enjoy the château’s 25-meter pool overlooking the valleys, stroll the gardens, or simply settle in under a tree with a glass of wine. This is very much a come-exhale-and-be-here kind of place.

The terraced lawns open to a serene river, sweeping vineyard views, the courtyard fountain hums softly in the background, and the ancient plane trees offer cool shade on warm afternoons.

Play a friendly game of Tennis

Château de Mercuès has beautiful tennis courts tucked into the grounds, surrounded by trees. Feel free to grab a racket and enjoy a match whenever you like throughout the weekend.

Just outside your doorstep…

Hiking, Cycling & River Kayaking

The surrounding countryside is filled with gentle hiking paths, cycling routes, and vineyard trails. Expect rolling hills, fields of wildflowers, forests, and lookout points with panoramic views.

For hikers, nearby routes like the Chemin de Halage follow the Lot River beneath towering limestone cliffs, a peaceful 7-kilometer walk between Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Bouziès, carved directly into the rock face. Closer to the château, trails wind through the Cahors vineyards, connecting villages like Douelle and Pradines, where you can stop for a glass of Malbec at a local winery.

Cyclists can explore sections of the Véloroute Vallée du Lot, a well-marked route running from Cahors to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, with gentle climbs, river crossings, and shaded stretches through walnut groves. E-bike rentals are available nearby for those who want to enjoy the scenery without breaking too much of a sweat.

The Lot River flows directly below the château, making it easy to spend a few hours paddling through quiet water and dramatic cliffs. Kayak rentals and guided routes are available nearby, a peaceful way to see the valley from a totally different perspective.

Explore the Medieval City of Cahors (10 minutes away)

A short drive brings you to Cahors, a beautiful riverside city known for:

  • Pont Valentré: a 14th-century fortified bridge & UNESCO World Heritage site

  • Winding stone streets with cafés, markets, bakeries, and wine bars

  • Gothic architecture, Romanesque chapels, and charming hidden squares

Wander the old town, sip a glass of Malbec, watch the river drift by, Cahors is one of those French towns that feels like it was made for slow tourism.

Planning an extended French vacation?

Click on the guidebooks below for local recommendations and suggested multi-day itineraries

Three-Day Extension Itinerary Suggestion: Lot Valley Escape

If you’re planning to extend your trip, the Lot Valley is one of France’s most beautiful and underrated regions. Here’s a relaxed three-day itinerary to help you make the most of the area before or after the celebration.

Where to Stay

Base yourself in the medieval town of Cahors or one of the surrounding countryside hotels. Great options include:

Day 1 – Explore Cahors & the Lot River

Spend your first day settling in and wandering Cahors’ old town. Stroll across the iconic Pont Valentré, browse cafés and shops, and enjoy a glass of Cahors Malbec along the river. If you’d like to book dinner, the old town has wonderful bistros serving classic Southwest French cuisine (duck, truffle dishes, and lots of local wine).

Day 2 – Saint-Cirq-Lapopie & Prehistoric Caves

Take a short drive to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, often named one of the most beautiful villages in France. The village sits dramatically above the Lot River and is full of medieval streets, small workshops, and scenic lookout points.

From there, continue to the Grotte du Pech Merle, a stunning prehistoric cave featuring 29,000-year-old paintings and ancient handprints. Advance tickets are recommended.

Day 3 – Rocamadour or a Vineyard Day

For a spectacular day trip, head to Rocamadour, a UNESCO cliffside pilgrimage village with sanctuaries carved into the rock. Explore its winding paths, viewpoints, and historic chapels at your own pace.

Prefer something slower? Stay within the Lot Valley and book a wine tasting at one of the region’s local estates. The area is known for deep, dark Malbec (locally called “Côt”), and many vineyards offer guided tastings and tours.

Pro Tip

We highly recommend renting a car for these few days, it’s the easiest way to explore the villages, vineyards, and viewpoints sprinkled throughout the Lot Valley. If you’re renting a car from Toulouse, you’re welcome to return it there and meet us for the Friday afternoon shuttle to Mercuès. Otherwise, if you prefer to drive yourself to the château, on-site parking is available.

Pont Valentré in Cahors

Lot River Valley

Grotte du Pech Merle

Rocamadour

Five-Day Extension Itinerary Suggestion: Southwest France

If you’re turning the wedding into a longer trip, this five-day itinerary blends the best of the Lot and Dordogne Valleys’ medieval villages with a luxurious river escape and impressive cliffs. Perfect for couples who want history, wine, nature, and a little adventure. A car is a must for this trip.

Where to Stay

We recommend splitting your stay between:

Cahors Area (Days 1–3)

Sarlat area (Days 4–5)

Day 1: Medieval Cahors & River Views

Arrive in the Lot Valley and settle into the rhythm of southwest France. Wander through Cahors’ old town, stroll across the iconic Pont Valentré, explore the boutiques and cafés, and enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring the region’s specialties (think duck confit, truffles, and Cahors Malbec).

Day 2: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie & Ancient Caves

Drive to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, one of the most beautiful villages in France, perched high over a bend in the Lot River. Spend the morning exploring its steep medieval lanes, galleries, and viewpoints.

In the afternoon, visit the Grotte du Pech Merle, a prehistoric cave with remarkably preserved ancient art. Be sure to book your tour ahead of time. Alternatively, check out the infamous prehistoric Lascaux caves.

Day 3: Rocamadour or a Vineyard Day

Choose between two incredible options:

Option A — Rocamadour

A dramatic pilgrimage village built into a cliff — chapels carved into stone, sweeping canyon views, and one of the most iconic sites in the southwest.

Option B — Wine & Relaxation

Stay local and enjoy a vineyard tour. The Lot Valley is known for deep, dark Malbec (locally called Côt). Many wineries offer tastings, cellar visits, and shaded terraces perfect for a slow afternoon.

Day 4: Dordogne Valley

The Dordogne valley is known as the region of a 1001 castles. So, if you are a fan of medieval life, you won’t fall short of things to see and do! Here’s a sample of our favorite sights:

Beynac-et-Cazenac - Walk through the windy streets of this medieval village built in the rocks. At the top, visit the glorious Château de Beynac (where Zach got “recognized” for his role in Mamma Mia 2)

La Roque-Gageac - Stop by this stunning town, grab a beer, and enjoy the river views

Sarlat-la-Canéda - This festive medieval town (where Julie went to middle and high school) is filled with street performers in the summer, and cafe terraces to people watch while sipping on Rosé.

Les Jardins de Marqueyssac - Take a long afternoon stroll and admire the many bush sculptures (Edward Scissorhands owns the place)

Chateau de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle - Another stunning medieval castle that you can visit, which often has medieval shows in the summer.

Day 5: Explore the Dordogne by boat

Choose your own adventure:

Muscle through on a Kayak/Canoe or float leisurely on a Gabarre.

Float along one of the most picturesque French rivers, and be rewarded by rocky beaches, more castles than the eye can see, bordered by stunning cliffs and forests (Julie once kayaked 122km (76 miles) of this river in three and a half days!)

Option A: Kayak or Canoe

Recommended routes:

Half-day: Carsac —> La Roque-Gageac or Vitrac —> Beynac (16 km) ~ 3 hours

Full-day: Carsac —> Beynac (25km) ~ 4.5 hours

Shorter, one- to two-hour trips are also possible, just check the rental’s website!

You can rent a kayak with Canoes Loisirs or with Canoë Carsac (but any of their many competitors will be just as good!)

Option B: Gabarre

Book a cruise with Les Gabares Norbert or with Les Gabarres de Beynac

Trips usually last 1 to 1h30.

Cahors

Medieval Village (Cahors)

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Grottes de Lascaux

Beynac-et-Cazenac

Sarlat-la-Canéda

Jardins de Marqueysac

River views of Château de Beynac

Gabarre travelling by La Roque-Gageac

Seven-Day Extension Itinerary Suggestion: Paris, Atlantic Coast & Lot Valley

If you’re planning to turn the wedding into a full French vacation, here’s a relaxed 7-day itinerary that blends culture, villages, wine country, and beach time, all with easy travel between stops.

Days 1–2: Paris (2 Nights)

Start your trip with a classic Parisian warm-up before heading south.

What to Do

  • Stroll along the Seine and visit Île Saint-Louis

  • Explore Le Marais for boutiques and cafés

  • Sunset at the Tuileries or Montmartre

  • Optional: Musée d’Orsay, Louvre, or a Seine river cruise

Where to Stay

Days 3–4: Atlantic Coast Beach Escape (2 Nights)

Choose between two fantastic June beach options:

Option A: Cap Ferret

Day 3: Travel & Settle In

Drive or take the high-speed TGV from Paris to Bordeaux (2 hours) then drive 1h30

( ~2.5–3 hours west from Chateau de Mercuès).

  • Check into a boutique hotel

  • Walk through oyster villages like L’Herbe

  • Sunset wine + oysters on the bay

Day 4: Beach Day

  • Atlantic surf beaches (big waves, wide sand)

  • Cycle through pine forests

  • Visit Cap Ferret Lighthouse for panoramic ocean views

  • Optional: boat taxi to Arcachon

Where to Stay

Option B: Biarritz

Direct high-speed TGV from Paris to Biarritz (4 hours)

Higher energy than Cap Ferret: cliffs, surf, spas, great restaurants.

Day 3: Travel

  • Walk the coastline to Rocher de la Vierge

  • Apéritif overlooking the waves

Day 4: Beaches & Basque Culture

  • Relax on the Grande Plage or Côte des Basques

  • Spa morning at Hôtel du Palais (optional)

  • Afternoon in nearby Bayonne or Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Where to Stay

Days 5–6: Lot Valley & Cahors Region (2 Nights)

Settle into the stunning countryside of southwest France.

What to Do

Day 5: Cahors

  • Explore the medieval old town

  • Cross the iconic Gothic Pont Valentré

  • Wine tasting at a local Malbec vineyard

  • Dinner in town (duck confit + truffles = must)

Day 6: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie & Pech Merle

  • Visit Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, one of France’s most beautiful villages

  • Take in cliffside views over the Lot River

  • Prehistoric cave tour at Grotte du Pech Merle (reserve ahead)

Where to Stay

Day 7: Travel to Toulouse for the Shuttle to Mercuès or meet us at Mercuès

If you’re heading to the wedding next:

Make your way to Toulouse in time for the Friday shuttle to Château de Mercuès, or spend one more night in Cahors, then drive or take a taxi to Château de Mercuès (3 pm check-in)

Toulouse is the closest major hub to the château and an easy, stress-free base before the wedding (Check out our guidebook on Toulouse).

If You’re Flying Home:

Flying Out of Paris from Cap Ferret

• Drive 1 hour to Bordeaux → TGV to Paris (2 hrs)

• Or fly Bordeaux → Paris (1 hr)

Flying Out of Paris from Biarritz

• Direct flight to Paris (1h15)

• Or take the TGV/train (4–5 hrs)

Flying Out of Toulouse (TLS)

A convenient option from the southwest.

• Cap Ferret → Toulouse: ~3-hour drive

• Biarritz → Toulouse: 2.5–3-hour drive or short Air France flight

Seine River

Montmartre (Paris)

Cap Ferret

Village ostréicole (Cap Ferret)

Biarritz

Biarritz

Malbec Vineyard (Cahors)

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Toulouse