La Table de Mercuès

The story

La Table de Mercuès, Cahors: Michelin-Recommended Modern Cuisine at a Malbec Estate

A Gastronomic Destination in the Lot Valley

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Lot Valley, Château de Mercuès has been a wine-growing estate and a Relais & Châteaux property for decades. Within its ancient walls, La Table de Mercuès offers a dining experience that has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026. The restaurant is a natural extension of the château’s devotion to terroir and the art of living, pairing modern cuisine with the estate's celebrated Malbec wines.

Chef Clément Costes

Since January 2025, the kitchen has been led by Chef Clément Costes. A native of the Côte d’Azur, Costes refined his craft at prestigious addresses including the two-Michelin-starred Relais de La Poste in Magescq and under chefs such as Joël Robuchon, Jean Coussau and Stéphane Carrade. His cuisine balances classic technique with contemporary inspiration, deeply rooted in the flavors of the Southwest. Costes prioritizes producers within a 100-kilometer radius who practice sustainable or organic farming, and the château’s own permaculture garden supplies rare herbs and vegetables. Organic waste is composted to nourish the gardens, closing the loop.

The Dining Experience

The main restaurant, La Table de Mercuès, serves the chef’s modern cuisine in a setting that embodies the château’s elegance. For a more immersive encounter, La Table du Chef offers a unique experience: a table for up to five guests set directly in the heart of the new techno-design kitchen. Here, diners enjoy a 9-course tasting menu created specifically for this intimate setting, watching the chef’s finishes, dressings and carvings up close. The sommelier’s wine selection highlights the Occitanie region, including the local Cadurcien vineyards. This is experiential gastronomy at its most personal.

Wines of the Estate

No meal at La Table de Mercuès is complete without exploring the château’s own vintages. The Vigouroux family has owned the estate since 1983, and their Malbecs—such as the iconic Icône and the high-density 6666 cuvée—are the perfect accompaniment to Costes’s cooking. Wine tourism is also available, with guided tours and tastings in the estate’s cellars.

A Setting That Lingers

The château’s semi-Olympic pool, wooded park, and panoramic views make it a destination for lingering. Whether dining in the main restaurant or at the chef’s table, La Table de Mercuès delivers a sense of place that is both refined and grounded.