Château de Mercuès

This grand 1399 chateau sits on a hill with views across the Lot river to the vineyards on the other side of the valley. This is Cahors, south of the Dordogne, a lovely but lightly visited part of France. Every room in the chateau is different—some ornate and covered with fabrics, others monastic and stone-walled with enormous fireplaces. The restaurant is serious but enjoyable business, a Michelin-one star setting with young, talented chef, Julien Poisot. We had an incredible 7-course tasting, just the right amount of indulgence. On the grounds is an immense pool, if you want to read a detective novel and consider a glass of rosé. The chateau closes for the winter season, but re-opens during February for the annual local truffle market. Those truffles find their way to the dining room, and a high French meal by the fire sounds very good right now.