Département: Dordogne (24) 
 

• This château is rented weekly.

We may have just discovered the perfect place for a holiday in the Dordogne ~ the stunning Castel Merle near Monpazier.  Castel Merle, set on 18 hectares of meadowlands and woods, dates from the 13th century, and its centerpiece is a medieval stone stairway.  The main living area of the castle was constructed in the 1650s by the de Constantin family who owned the property until the French Revolution in the 1790s at which time they fled to Spain. 

Over the past three years the present owner has sympathetically renovated Castel Merle to a very high standard including restoration of its fine oak ceilings. Furnishings include antiques and paintings to create a classical setting, while no modern comforts or conveniences have been overlooked.  There is a fine library in the château and a bar available to guests on the top floor of the dramatic tower, as well as Sky TV in the sitting room and a Bang & Olufsen stereo system in the Grand Salon. 

The château offers six exquisitely-furnished guest rooms, each with its own modern en suite bathroom or shower room.  Two of the bedrooms have lovely four-poster beds and sitting areas to provide a quiet retreat for their occupants.  Large windows bring in the warmth and light of the glorious Dordogne sunshine, while offering views over the wide expanse of lawns and landscape surrounding the château.  Not only can you rent the entire château to make it your very own for a week or longer, but for a small additional cost a chef can be included to prepare breakfast each morning and catered dinners five nights of each week.  A housekeeper can be arranged to come in on an hourly basis at the discretion of the guests. 

On the grounds guests can enjoy relaxing on the teak loungers in front of the château or around the newly installed swimming pool; and they can take meals in the evenings at the outside dining area while enjoying some spectacular sunsets.  The location of Castel Merle is perfect for visiting so many of the attractions of the Dordogne and westward toward Bordeaux.  Monpazier, said to be the best preserved bastide town in the Dordogne, is only minutes away, and it should definitely be visited on market day.  When you are planning your next stay in France with your family or close friends, be sure to consider renting the enchanting Castel Merle.

No dogs, please. 
No infants, please.
Open most of the year. 
On the grounds:  swimming pool, spacious lawns and meadow to the south of the château for sunbathing or strolls
Vicinity:  Restaurants in Monpazier and Biron.  Hot air balloon flights over the Dordogne can be arranged.  Golf, tennis, canoeing, boating, bicycling,  horseback riding (30 min.).  Visit the nearby towns and villages of Monpazier (bastide town), Trémolat, Domme, Beynac-et-Cazenac, La Roque Gageac, Cadouin, Sarlat, Lalinde, Bergerac, as well as the attractions of Le Cingle de Trémolat, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac and Grotte de Lascaux.

From Paris,  take the A10 south direction Orléans, connect to the A71 direction Vierzon, then the A20 direction Limoges.  At Limoges take the N21 direction Bergerac/Agen. 

From Bergerac Airport,  at the  T junction, turning left onto N21 direction Colombier.  Turn left onto D14 direction Issigeac as far as Villereal.  Take the D104 to Monpazier, turn left at the T junction and then turn right onto D53 direction Belves.  After about 3/4 mile drive past stone gate posts.  Continue 1/4 mile and Castel Merle driveway in on the right marked by black and white sign opposite builder's merchant.  Turn right onto driveway and proceed to the end.

Railway Station Sarlat: from Paris Gare Montparnasse via Bordeaux or Libourne (approx 5h 15 min) 

Airport - Bergerac (see driving directions above)

Car Rental in Sarlat (click here)
Car Rental Bergerac Airport (click here)

Michelin Map to Château