Chateau Du Malbec
Like it? Add to favourites to compare and share
On a prestigious wine estate close to Cahors, Château Du Malbec brings together art, heritage, wine and gastronomy for a truly remarkable stay in a castle owne...
Read moreOverview
On a prestigious wine estate close to Cahors, Château Du Malbec brings together art, heritage, wine and gastronomy for a truly remarkable stay in a castle owned by the former president of one of the world’s most famous jewellery brands.
With the estate’s origins dating back to the 1100s, the owner of this 15th-century château fell in love with its medieval architecture and Renaissance style and vowed to return it to its former glory. Soon after it was classified as a Monument historique, a highly respected French designation.
The owner, who is also the founding president of a famous Parisian Art Foundation, displays contemporary pieces across his château from sculptures by his great friend César Baldaccini to the romantic chapel decorated by Gérard Garouste. We also love the frescoes by three artists of the Figuration Libre art movement, showcased in the 6-columned 17th-century Pigeonnier, one of fifteen impressive bedrooms.
Scattered across further bedrooms you will discover historic beds, fireplaces and other ornate features such as the Art Noveau bathroom with its exquisite tiles and bathtub. Then there’s the grand living spaces – the vaulted living room was once a 15th-century grain store, the second lounge features an engraved Renaissance fireplace, the games room has a library with caryatid statues whilst the music room with its piano is where Elton John used to play.
Dine with family and friends by candlelight in the arched dining room, taking advantage of the castle’s brilliant cook who will prepare the cuisine of the Quercy and Périgord regions. For an extra touch of indulgence, request for a Michelin starred chef to create a feast, accompanied of course by fine wine from the estate.
The estate’s vast vineyard has been producing Malbec since the 16th century, once the preferred wine of French kings. The vines were revived in the late 20th century under the expert guidance of one of the greatest oenologists in the world, and now Château Du Malbec’s wines are considered some of the best in the world. An underground tunnel connects you to the estate’s winery and a private tour is included.
Step out on to the castle’s terrace with a glass of Malbec to admire the glorious views of the grounds and countryside beyond. Stroll around the landscaped gardens, sit peacefully by a beautiful fountain, head to the heated swimming pool with its underwater speakers and play tennis on the private court. With a pétanque court and wonderful walking trails, this is the perfect setting for both rest and active relaxation.
During your time in the Lot valley explore gorgeous riverside villages by boat, visit further vineyards and wineries and spend time in historic Cahors, home to the town’s famous bridge, Pont Valentré, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cahor’s vibrant twice-weekly market is a must whilst gastronomes will also appreciate the château’s proximity to several excellent French restaurants, including two Michelin starred establishments within a 10-minute drive.
Walk along part of the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle’s route, cycle or horse-ride through undulating scenery or you could even head north for kayaking and canoeing along the Dordogne. All before returning to the incredible surroundings of your magnificent, artistic and historic French château.
What you should know…
- Due to the nature of this private château and wine estate, all bookings will be on request only and confirmed only upon the owner’s confirmation.
- Please check the Features tab carefully for the details of each bedroom – some are part of a 2-bedroom ‘apartment’/suite and some are children’s bedrooms, including an 8-bed dormitory.
- Furthermore, the 17th-century ‘Pigeonnier’ bedroom is set within the grounds and accessed via a secured ladder – as you can see from the photos, it’s best for mobile guests seeking historic adventures!
- A stunning place to stay, expect steep curved stairs, mezzanines and other unique and historic features as well as valuable artwork across the château.
- The services of a cook are included six days a week - the cost of all food and wine is extra, payable locally.
- We also feature the owner's beautiful house Maison Malbec, a short drive away.
Property Features
Château Interiors
- Living room with Renaissance fireplace
- Vaulted living room with doors leading to terrace
- Dining room
- Music room
- Games room and library
- Bedroom with double bed (150cm) and bathroom
- 2-bedroom apartment, each bedroom with a 17th century double bed (145cm). Fireplace, bathroom with bath and shower and separate WC
- Children’s 2-bedroom apartment. Bedroom with twin beds and bedroom with Provençal 18th century bed (140cm). Fireplace, art noveau bathroom and separate WC
- 2-bedroom apartment. Bedroom with twin beds (120cm each), fireplace and TV. Bedroom with 18th century enclosed Breton bed and shower in the watchtower. Small lounge, bathroom and separate WC
- Master suite with double bed (160cm), large bathroom with jacuzzi bath and lounge with fireplace
- Tower bedroom with double bed (150cm), fireplace, bathroom and separate WC
- Bedroom with twin beds (80cm each), adjoined nursery on mezzanine with baby bed, bathroom and separate WC
- Tower bedroom with canopy 18th century bed (140cm) and bathroom
- Bedroom with canopy bed (140cm), separate bathroom and WC
- Dormitory (under eaves) with eight single beds, bathroom, shower room and separate WC
Pigeonnier Tower (reached via a secured ladder)
- Bedroom (featuring frescoes) with twin beds (80cm each), shower room and toilet
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (18x7m, depth: 2.5m) with swim jets, underwater speakers and retractable safety cover. Open approximately March to end-October
- Terrace with vineyard and countryside views
- Boules
- Tennis court
- Vast gardens and landscaped grounds
- Fountains and water features
- Historic working vineyard (2.7 hectares) and winery
Facilities
- Juke box
- Elton John pinball machine
- Children’s games
- Pétanque
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau Du MalbecIn the Lot department just a short drive from the beautiful town of Cahors, Château Du Malbec enjoys a prestigious setting surrounded by 2.7 hectares of historic vines which produce some of the best Malbecs in the world. A private tour of the estate’s winery is included in your stay and guests can also benefit from a discount on wines purchased from the estate’s onsite shop.
Within a 5 to 10-minute drive there are local villages for restaurants and other amenities including a supermarket. You are also close to the banks of the Lot River for fishing, river swimming and boat hire – a paradise for nature lovers with rare birds, otters and other wildlife in glorious surroundings.
The Lot flows through Cahors (11km) where you will find river excursions in the summer months. Cahors is a wonderful historic town with charming medieval lanes, elegant gardens and its famous bridge, Pont Valentré, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cathédrale Saint-Etienne is another impressive site whilst Cahor’s small Resistance Museum will tell you about the role the town played in the liberation of France.
As well as several excellent restaurants in Cahors, the twice-weekly market is a fantastic experience, showcasing the best seasonal produce from the region from foie gras and truffles to Quercy melons and a wealth of other delights. Gastronomes also take note that there are two Michelin starred restaurants within a 10-minute drive (as well as the opportunity to hire a Michelin starred chef to cook for you in the château).
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (40km) is one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, an enchanting place which has inspired many artists over the years with its beauty and charm. Potter around little shops and come across art galleries along the flower-filled lanes. If staying in July and August, day boat excursions depart from Cahors to the village, sailing tranquilly along the Lot.
Another place not to be missed is Rocamadour (60km) with its stunning setting on the edge of a cliff with the river below. The honey-coloured houses of Gourdon (40km) are also worthy of a visit, as is the picture-perfect village of Puy-l'Évêque (25km) perched above the banks of the Lot.
Heading north, some of the Dordogne’s most famous villages can be reached in around an hour by car including Domme, Monpazier and La Roque-Gageac whilst the historic market town of Sarlat-la-Canéda (57km) is just a little further, famous for its Périgord gastronomy and bustling Saturday morning market.
Slightly closer to home, discover a wealth of outdoor adventures from horse-riding, cycling and golf to paragliding and go-karting, not to mention many magnificent hiking opportunities, especially with the GR65 Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle’s trail passing through the Lot valley.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Brive–Souillac Airport
(88km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport
(96km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
(124km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Cahors
(11km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Local village
(3km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Cahors
(11km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf des Roucous 9-hole course
(33km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
(2km) |
||
Region
A relatively new addition to France, the Midi-Pyrénées was created to surround the cultural capital of Toulouse in the late 1970s. You might think that its relative youth would mean the Midi-Pyrénées is short on character or identity, but remember, this is France we’re talking about – the whole country is steeped in history and tradition. Encompassing parts of Gascony, Languedoc, the Gers and several others, you’ll get a varied slice of the whole French experience here, not least if you stay at one of our beautiful chateaux in the Midi-Pyrénées! And if you want to discover the best of what the region has to offer, our Midi-Pyrénées travel guide is here to show you where to go, what to eat and how you can make the best of your break with some amazing activities.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesIn the Lot department of France, be inspired by the region’s beauty as you explore with your family or younger friends.
Find horse-riding and cycling opportunities as well as wonderful walks passing vineyards and other gorgeous landscapes of this area. Head to local markets to pick up a wealth of delights, then enjoy riverside picnics or hire a boat on the river. There are even summer spots where locals swim whilst keen watersport lovers can find canoeing and kayaking further north along the Dordogne.
When visiting Cahors, look out for the little road train to tour you around this historic town whilst older children learning about World War Two may be interested in the small but fascinating Resistance Museum. Look out for boat excursions along the Lot river departing Cahors, either little river trips or, in the height of the summer, a day trip to the artistic village of St Cirq Lapopie.
For a fun trip out, try go-karting around half an hour away or, a little further afield, enjoy tree-top adventures at Accrobranche Monkey's Forest in the Dordogne.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Forest park/High-rope course
- Water park
- Amusement park
- Kid-friendly museum
- Kid-friendly excursions
- Water excursions/Boat trips
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Go-Karting
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Children's videos/DVDs
- Board games
- Boules/Petanque
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Tennis Court
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Pool/Snooker
- Home Cinema
- DVD
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Included
- Maid Service Included
- Babysitting Available
Oliver's Extras
- Transfers Available
- Chef/Cook Included
- Maid Service Included
- Babysitting Available
- Private tour of estate's winery (accessed via 150m long underground tunnel from the château) Included
- Preparation and service of picnics/lunches and dinners by owner's personal cook using local ingredients* six days a week Included
- 20% discount on estate's wines in onsite shop Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From pr...
Read moreExtras
Oliver's Extras
- Transfers Available
- Chef/Cook Included
- Maid Service Included
- Babysitting Available
- Private tour of estate's winery (accessed via 150m long underground tunnel from the château) Included
- Preparation and service of picnics/lunches and dinners by owner's personal cook using local ingredients* six days a week Included
- 20% discount on estate's wines in onsite shop Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Extras included at this property:
- Daily housekeeping and linen change (if needed)
- Preparation and service of breakfast*
- Preparation and service of picnics/lunches and dinners by owner's personal cook using local ingredients* six days a week
- Private tour of estate's winery (accessed via 150m long underground tunnel from the château)
* cost of ingredients/food and drink extra
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Cost of all ingredients/food and drink
- 20% discount on estate's wines in onsite shop
- Services of a Michelin starred chef
- Fitness instructor
- Airport or train station transfers
- Car hire
- Personal laundry
- Babysitting
- Rental of events space with semi-professional kitchen (on request)
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a hig...
Read moreEvent information
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | €5000 charged to clients' credit card prior to the arrival and refunded two weeks after departure subject to full inspection. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Due to the nature of this private château and wine estate, all bookings will be on request only and confirmed only upon the owner’s confirmation. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €5000 charged to clients' credit card prior to the arrival and refunded two weeks after departure subject to full inspection. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Due to the nature of this private château and wine estate, all bookings will be on request only and confirmed only upon the owner’s confirmation. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes and daily maid services included. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or garbage disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax is included in the rate. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately March to November. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Pool heating charge? | Included. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. All other durations on request. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. All other changeover days on request. |
| Pets welcome? | Yes, on request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outdoors only. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The preparation and service of breakfast, lunch and dinner are included however all ingredients, food and drink are payable by guests. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 37 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Nov 22nd 2024 - Dec 29th 2024 | £34,436 |
| Dec 29th 2024 - Dec 28th 2025 | £34,436 |
| Dec 28th 2025 - May 26th 2026 | £34,436 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
How long have you owned the property?
Since 1980
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The façade looked just amazing, impressive.
Ar...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
Since 1980
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The façade looked just amazing, impressive.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
There are a lot! The most ancient one is that the first harvest took place in 1503 when a woman, Marguerite de Massaut, owned the castle.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
A lot also : Tina Turner, Elton John, Tony Blair, Richard Gere…
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do?
Enjoy and relax by the pool!
Must eat?
Foie gras and black truffle.
Must see?
Visit Cahors and its Pont Valentré.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
