Eloi Merle | A Winemaker's Mansion in the Heart of the Minervois
Eloi Merle was a vigneron, one of the great winemakers of the Minervois in the mid nineteenth century, and this handsome three-storey Maison de Maître was built as his family home. Today it is a small, adults-only maison d'hôtes and collection of gîtes where the pace is set by long breakfasts, afternoons by the pool and evenings with a bottle of local wine in the garden. High ceilings, an impressive staircase and elegant proportions give the house a cool, unhurried grandeur, while 2,500 m² of private walled gardens keep the world at a comfortable distance, despite the village centre being only a two-minute stroll away.
The rooms
Our five en-suite rooms are named after the grape varieties of the Minervois. Carignan and Syrah sit at the front of the first floor and look out over the rooftops of Olonzac; Grenache and Cinsault face the rear, overlooking the terrace and gardens. Mourvèdre, on the second floor, is one of our most spacious rooms and enjoys the finest garden view in the house. Every room has a queen-size bed, air conditioning, a luxurious en-suite with walk-in shower, and a seating area with tea and coffee. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre are a touch larger for those who like extra space to spread out.
The gîtes
Across the garden, the property's original stables have been converted into five self-catering gîtes, each named after a herb of the garrigue: Menthe, Thym, Lavande, Romarin and Laurier. All have a kitchenette, dining area, air conditioning and a terrace facing the pool. Lavande and Romarin are slightly larger, and Laurier has its own private walled terrace, ideal for breakfast in the sun or a nightcap under the stars.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served, not buffet, and taken on the terrace in fine weather. Expect a daily hot dish such as smoked salmon with scrambled eggs or poached eggs on avocado toast, alongside pastries and bread from the village baker, homemade jams and marmalade, fresh fruit juice, fruit salad, proper coffee and a choice of teas. Breakfast is included for guests staying in the house and available to gîte guests for a small supplement.
The gardens
The heated pool sits in a green oasis of mature trees and lawns, with sun loungers, a jacuzzi and plenty of shady corners to disappear into with a book. There is a pétanque piste for a pre-dinner game, shared barbecue facilities for gîte guests, and a large secure barn for bicycles and motorbikes, making us a favourite base for touring cyclists.
The location
We are not a remote farmhouse; we are in the middle of village life, and that is the point. Olonzac is the lively little capital of the Minervois, and its café terraces, restaurants and shops are a short walk from our gate. The Tuesday market is one of the best in the region: stock your gîte kitchen with cheeses, charcuterie, olives and vegetables straight from the growers. The Canal du Midi passes close by, Lac de Jouarres is minutes away for swimming and paddleboarding, and the medieval village of Minerve, the citadel of Carcassonne, Narbonne and the Mediterranean beaches are all within easy reach by car.
Eloi Merle is reserved exclusively for adults, so the pool stays peaceful, breakfast stays leisurely and your evening glass of Minervois stays undisturbed.
David
English, French
Member since Jul 2026
Wedding Venue
Adult only
Suitable for the elderly
Events allowed
Fairytale French Chateau
Temple sur Lot, Lot et Garonne
Price range: From 1060 - 1545
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