This year I took part in the France into the Vineyard blogger challenge. As part of the challenge, I arrived at the Montreal airport and only discovered where I was going and what I was doing once I arrived! I joyfully discovered I was going to Occitanie in the south of France to discover the Cahors region which is famous for being the first producers of Malbec wine.
As part of my challenge, I was also teamed up with another blogger and social media influencer, Benoît (@vino2travel). Together we teamed up to explore the region and have been sharing our experience on our blogs and social media accounts.
To give back to all my readers, one of the best parts of the challenge is you have a chance to win a trip for 2 to France! You can vote for Cahors, in Occitanie by October 12, 2018 for a chance to win. Enter the contest!
Must See & Do
Cahors – a 2000-year-old merchant city that is the birthplace of Malbec wine. Here you can find a fantastic food market, an abundance of small gardens throughout the city, and the gorgeous Valentre bridge.
Visit The Vineyards – While here I went to Chateau de Mercues, Chateau Saint Sernin, and Clos Triguedina to visit the vineyards and do wine tastings.
Visit Castles & Chateaux – There are plenty of beautiful castles in the area. With some of the most popular being Cenevieres Castle, Larroque-Toirac Castle, and Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle. I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful Chateau de Mercues, but I hope to return to visit as many of the castles as I can!
The Malbec Lounge – Next to the tourist office in Cahors you can find the Malbec Lounge. Here you can do a wine tasting and learn about the local Malbec wine.
St-Cirq Lapopie – considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. The well preserved small town is situated on a steep cliff, here you can find medieval buildings, and an abundance of artists, cafes and restaurants.
Cahors
Cahors
St-Cirq Lapopie
St-Cirq Lapopie
Chateau de Mercues
Malbec Lounge
Wine and Gastronomy
This region of France has a wealth of exceptional wine and products. Some of the items this area is famous for are:
Malbec wine – the original producer of Malbec wine!
Rocamadour cheese – a small mild cheese
Truffles – companies like Truffles Passion will take you out and explain how to hunt for truffles
Quercy lamb
Foie gras – duck liver
Saffron
Pastis – a pastry filled with apples and soaked in plum spirit
Hunting for truffles with Truffle Passion
Malbec vineyards
Pastis
Foie gras
Where to Eat
Le Gindreau in Saint – a 2 star Michelin restaurant in Medard Catus (I didn’t get the chance to eat here, but I’ve heard outstanding reviews)
Chateau de Mercues – a 1 star Michelin restaurant in Mercues (Dinner here was one of the highlights of my trip – you can read more about the experience here.)
L’O a la Bouche – inventive French food using local dishes. This restaurant is in Cahors right near the Malbec Lounge.
Auberge Lou Bourdie – Monique Valette’s restaurant is in the small village of Bach, and she specializes in local cuisine. The super cheerful woman has a cozy restaurant where you can order a set meal of giant family-style dishes. The food here is so good the restaurant was featured in Jamie Oliver’s TV show “Jamie in the Pyrenees”.
L’O a la Bouche
Chateau de Mercues
Auberge Lou Bourdie
Where to Stay
Chateau de Mercues – a 13th-century medieval chateau and vineyard – from 193 euros a night (you can read more about the experience here.)
Isle Basse – 18th-century farm converted in a luxurious 4 bedroom boutique hotel – from 108 euros a night includes breakfast and dinner
La Devinie – a modern bed and breakfast – from 90 euros a night
Chateau de Mercues
Isle Basse
Isle Basse
Win A Trip To France
As part of France Into The Vineyard Challenge, one lucky winner will win a trip to France. To win, make sure to vote for my team’s region, Occitanie – Sud de France by October 12, 2018.
Enter the contest!