CHÂTEAU DE MAURIAC

We came to visit this Gaillac region of France from the US. We had a work trip to Toulouse and we were looking for a way to get out of the city for a few days. I found the English review from May 2022 very helpful, and despite not a lot of reviews on what it would be like to actually stay in the castle (most reviews are about the tour), we decided to take a chance on a 3 night stay here in the Chateau. |It was absolutely worth it. We had a terrific time and felt it was a truly unique experience to stay here. Echoing other reviews, Emmanouil, the son of the painter who restored the castle beginning in the 1960s, is a gracious host.|He was excellent with communication and literally gives you the "keys to the castle" to make it your own home like an AirBNB or a VRBO for your suite. |Their were 4 couples staying our first night in the various accommodations so he gave us all a tour of the castle together, giving us the history of the region, when the Knights Templar built the castle, and then information on its restoration at the hands of his father (and himself as he grew up helping restore the castle.). He can give the tour in English, French and Spanish simultaneously!|Today the castle is in terrific shape. It has been restored as much as possible with the original 18th century furniture and also adorned with his father's paintings. Despite being nearly 800 years old, it now includes electricity, hot water, and even a hairdryer. (We didn't bother with Wifi as we had good cellular reception even in the castle but I think he has that too). The castle does get a little cool at night (at least in late March with evening temps in the 40s outside, much warmer inside) but the bed and linens were very warm and there was even a little provided space heater if needed. As an American, be prepared for a French-style tub and spray gun without standing shower. But the wash room in the Louis IX suite we stayed in is honestly unbelievably fancy. While I don't know what the other suites looked like, I would spend the extra to stay in this suite if you can (if it's available).|Emmanouil also provides a breakfast of croissants, daily fresh bread, yogurt, juices, butter and jams each day that was far more than 2 of us could eat. (especially after indulging for dinner every night in Gaillac).|We used Chateau de Mauriac as a central point to explore several nice restaurants in the small town of Gaillac, and the bigger city of Albi which needs a full day to explore. Also easily reachable are the amazing villages of Cordes Sur Ciel, Castelnau de Montmiral, and Puycelci. Each of these were recommended by Emmanouil and are amazing sites to visit. Albi is ~25 minutes of beautiful drive time along vineyards. The others are all less drive time than that.|There are also dozens and dozens of vineyards and winemakers nearby that one can visit. While we are not particularly knowledgeable wine people, the regional wines were fantastic and at incredibly low prices. We received a warm welcome from the 6th generation owner of Domaine Plageoles as an aside and they are within ~12 minutes from the Chateau. |We feel very lucky to have found this opportunity. It seemed several other couples just stayed one night and moved on but it was fun to use this as "home base" for 3 days and certainly could have stayed longer in the region if work did not beckon.|Thanks Emmanouil!

Maravillosa experiencia, rodeada de historia y de arte. Emanuel, su propietario, un anfitrión magnífico.

Mariage au top dans un château incroyable

Nous recherchions un logement pour une nuit et quelle surprise ! Nous avons pu visiter le château à notre arrivée avec Emmanuel, qui nous a simplement plongé dans l'histoire du château et dans la rénovation titanesque qui a été faite par sa famille !
Tout simplement magnifique château, magnifique décor, à voir absolument au moins 1 fois !!!
Merci pour ce séjour avec des prestations parfaites dans un environnement exceptionnel !

Très bon accueil. Guide juste formidable. Magnifique château. Bravo.