The beautifully restored 500-year-old Chateau Lagrézette will now be available for
luxurious stays for the first time ever. This unbelievable opportunity gives visitors a chance to experience the calm of the French countryside, the history of the ancient chateau, the museum-quality art collection, the elegant Lagrézette wines, and the delights of local gastronomy, all in one place.
The Region:
The chateau is nestled in the Cahors countryside in the southwest of France, overlooking the Lot River. Stunning caves, fresh markets, medieval architecture, and secret gardens are a bike ride, walk, or river cruise away.
The Chateau:
Discovered by Alain Dominique Perrin in 1980, the 15th-century chateau has been completely restored. Three teams of architects working with specialists in historic monuments, trade guilds, sculptors and craftsmen brought his dream chateau to life. Built by the noble Massaut family in the 15th century on the foundations of a 12th century fortified house, Chateau Lagrézette is the product of successful blending of traditional medieval architecture and elegant Renaissance ornamentation. Owned successively by the Malegat, Lebrun, de Belcastel, de Malartic, d’Ambert, de Barde and Chevalier families throughout five centuries, the chateau was classified as a historical monument in 1982.
Some of the features include:
- Seventeen exquisitely adorned bedrooms and two guesthouses.
- Sitting rooms that are furnished with Rennaissance-era fireplaces and a mix of modern and classical art.
- A game room encased in a Cariatides Library.
- Phenomenal meals featuring the local Quercy bounty are prepared by Lagrézette’s talented cook, Nadia.
- Stunning French gardens and water features surround the estate.
- A terrace overlooking the vineyards and countryside.
- Tennis court.
- Heated swimming pool with underwater speakers and a counter-current system.
- Hiking trails.
- Home cinema.
- Home gym.
Read more about the chateau here.
The Art Collection:
Alain Dominique Perrin is an emblematic figure in the world of luxury and art. M. Perrin created the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art in 1984, with good friend and renowned sculptor, César. In fact, a bold iron and crushed can sculpture from César stands at the front of the chateau’s dining room.
The castle, as well as guesthouses, are home to murals by contemporary artists such as, Combas, Boisrond, Di Rosa and Blanchard – the founders of “free figuration”. M. Perrin has been a collector of contemporary art since the ‘70s. His penchant for Arte Povera and American minimalism throughout the ancient castle presents a harmonious contrast to the antiques.
M. Perrin had this to say about the collection:
“I am deeply drawn to contemporary art, painting, and sculpture – but lesser known is my passion for collecting antique furniture from time periods of the chateau – notably 15th, 16th, and 17th-century pieces. I have searched all over Europe and in America for the rare and unique. There is great joy in mixing the ancient with contemporary art and the interplay is endlessly fascinating.”
The Wines:
Chateau Lagrézette is famed for putting Cahors on the map for wine lovers. From the accessible Purple Malbec to the iconic luxury Le Pigeonnier, each wine is an example of great quality and a testament to the renaissance of the region.
Lagrézette is defined by three distinct terroirs on each of its vineyards—Caillac, Rocamadour and Landiech.
A predominance of Kimmeridgian limestone (as in Chablis) runs throughout each vineyard.
The Culinary Experience:
In addition to fresh meals made on-site and access to some of the most beloved French outdoor markets, Cahors is a gastronomical hotspot, with a myriad of Michelin-starred restaurants. Le Gindreau, L’Allée des Vignes, Le Château de Mercuès, and Le Pont de L’Ouysse are all within reach. The chefs of these restaurants are also available upon request for intimate dining experiences at the chateau.
The booking of the chateau includes:
- Linen and towels (bathroom and swimming pool).
- Daily housekeeping and breakfast.
- Lunches, picnics, and dinners (6 days a week) prepared by Monsieur Perrin’s personal cook using local products from the neighboring farms and purveyors of Quercy. (Additional charge.)
- 20% discount on the wines of Lagrézette from our on-site shop. The wine list is available online.
- A private tour of the Chateau Lagrézette winery. The winery is accessed from the castle via a connecting underground tunnel of 150 metres (492 feet).
Pricing:
For 12 guests, including children, the rate per week is 20,000 euros and for larger groups with a maximum of 37 guests, including children, the price per week is 25,000 euros.