Mauriac Castle — Attraction in Albi

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...

I stumbled upon this extraordinary place, boasting no TA reviews in English, and decided to commit to a 3-night stay. Now I wish we'd had longer...||||The Knights Templar Castle was built around 1212 AD. Its life in the modern era began in 1946 when a young artist, Bernard Bistes, saw the ruin, being used as a barn, and decided to buy it and make its restoration one of his two life's works. Restoration included electricity, plumbing, roof, reconstructing the battlements, and much more. He also did a tremendous amount of art-related work, resurfacing the guest room walls and painting them convincingly to resemble real marble (literally thousands of sq ft), decorative painting and purchasing suitable style furniture. His artworks are everywhere, and are available for sale.||||Mr. Bistes passed away recently, but his son Emanuel and his mother, continue the process. There are several gorgeous rooms, including at least one magnificent suite, which we were lucky enough to stay in.. The view from the windows was spectacular. It was a "bucket list" experience, and I feel very fortunate to have found the Chateau, and to write the first review in English..||||Emanuel speaks good English (and Spanish, too) and he offered a lot of good advice for touring and a lot of knowledge about the castle. This is the mission of a second generation, and I was happy to support the impressive effort. ||||A modest breakfast is included, You can get a complementary personal tour of the castle, as well as accompanying paying visitors on a guided tour (in French) at no cost. The informal castle gardens in the back are nice and easily accessible for those who are mobile. The Castle makes up most of Senouillac, along with a small church and a couple of buildings with small businesses and homes. It is a +/- 15 minute drive to Galliac, which has good restaurants, and everything else. There are also several lovely French villages within 15-60 minutes' drive that provide ample opportunity for exploration. Among our favorites were Najac and Puycelci (small) and Albi (a large, historic town). Toulouse is an easy drive, as well. Roads are good and GPS works. Rates are upper middle, and worth every penny. ||||Just remember, pedestrians have the right of way at intersections!||||Most highly recommended. We hope to return again. The Chateau de Mauriac was extraordinary. I'd give it 6...

I stumbled upon this extraordinary place, boasting no TA reviews in English, and decided to commit to a 3-night stay. Now I wish we'd had longer...||||The Knights Templar Castle was built around 1212 AD. Its life in the modern era began in 1946 when a young artist, Bernard Bistes, saw the ruin, being used as a barn, and decided to buy it and make its restoration one of his two life's works. Restoration included electricity, plumbing, roof, reconstructing the battlements, and much more. He also did a tremendous amount of art-related work, resurfacing the guest room walls and painting them convincingly to resemble real marble (literally thousands of sq ft), decorative painting and purchasing suitable style furniture. His artworks are everywhere, and are available for sale.||||Mr. Bistes passed away recently, but his son Emanuel and his mother, continue the process. There are several gorgeous rooms, including at least one magnificent suite, which we were lucky enough to stay in.. The view from the windows was spectacular. It was a "bucket list" experience, and I feel very fortunate to have found the Chateau, and to write the first review in English..||||Emanuel speaks good English (and Spanish, too) and he offered a lot of good advice for touring and a lot of knowledge about the castle. This is the mission of a second generation, and I was happy to support the impressive effort. ||||A modest breakfast is included, You can get a complementary personal tour of the castle, as well as accompanying paying visitors on a guided tour (in French) at no cost. The informal castle gardens in the back are nice and easily accessible for those who are mobile. The Castle makes up most of Senouillac, along with a small church and a couple of buildings with small businesses and homes. It is a +/- 15 minute drive to Galliac, which has good restaurants, and everything else. There are also several lovely French villages within 15-60 minutes' drive that provide ample opportunity for exploration. Among our favorites were Najac and Puycelci (small) and Albi (a large, historic town). Toulouse is an easy drive, as well. Roads are good and GPS works. Rates are upper middle, and worth every penny. ||||Just remember, pedestrians have the right of way at intersections!||||Most highly recommended. We hope to return again. The Chateau de Mauriac was extraordinary. I'd give it 6...