The 13th century Mercuès Château was the summer home of the Counts and Bishops of Cahors for more than 1200 years.

The Hundred Years' War and Religious Wars damaged the château considerably. It was torn down, restored and burned in succession for over a century.

In the 17th century, the Château de Mercuès regained its magnificence and was embellished with a terrace and gardens.

Restoration work was completed at the end of the 19th century.

In 1983, a Cahors' winegrower, named Georges Vigurous, acquired the château and made it one of the finest hotels in France.

In 1992, the Mercuès Relais & Château was given further boost by the arrival of Bernard Denegre, the hotel's manager. And in 1997, Philippe Combet was named hotel chef.