Slowing down and savouring life seems to come with the territory at Le Moulin Collection in southwest France.
After three decades running Harvey’s Point in Donegal, Deirdre McGlone and Swiss-born Marc Gysling are true experts at designing idyllic getaways.
At Le Malbec, their newest self-catering retreat for two, they’ve created a luxury hideaway made for sharing special moments – a glass of Malbec overlooking the vineyard, fresh croissants on the terrace, a dip in the private plunge pool and evenings beneath the dark, star-filled skies of the Célé Valley.
After a week at Le Malbec, I think I will be forever craving this pocket of French country calm, where days drift by to a soundtrack of cigales (cicadas), clinking glasses and butterflies pirouetting through the wildflowers.
Le Malbec charmed me from the start.
The villa sleeps two and is part of Deirdre and Marc’s Le Moulin Collection at Le Moulin sur Célé, a restored French estate in the Lot region of southwest France.
It would be hard to imagine a better setting for honeymooners, couples celebrating an anniversary or anyone seeking a week of peace, nature and moments together.
A peaceful balcony view over the vines at Le Malbec in the Lot region of France. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
Le Malbec after dark, with its private plunge pool overlooking the Lot Valley. Photo courtesy of Le Moulin sur Célé
Le Malbec is ideal for anniversaries, birthdays and special holidays in southwest France. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
Inside, Le Malbec is homely.
You don’t feel as though you have to tip toe around the place, but there is five star quality throughout.
Among the chic rustic interiors are all the mod cons needed for an easy stay. The comfort feels carefully thought through, from the well-equipped kitchen and welcome basket to the barbecue, balcony and pool just outside the bedroom door.
“Luxury, to me, is about feeling cared for,” Deirdre told me.
“When you come to our Moulin collection, we try to make you feel at home, well looked after, in a place of beauty.”
Before it became a villa for guests, Le Malbec was part of Deirdre and Marc’s own French chapter. They lived in this former wine-maker’s barn while restoring it with a clear sense of how guests want to live, relax and move through a space.
The bedroom opens straight out to the plunge pool, making afternoon dips almost impossible to resist.
The bathroom would not be out of place in a spa, with a generous bath, his-and-her sinks, and L’Occitane en Provence products for pampering after a day in the sun.
The bedroom at Le Malbec opens directly onto the private plunge pool. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
The calming spa-like bathroom at Le Malbec, complete with his-and-hers sinks. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
The bathroom at Le Malbec, designed for slow mornings and relaxed stays. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
The private terrace at Le Malbec, with barbecue, outdoor dining space and views across the vineyard. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
The beautiful Harvey, the resident Labrador, who may call by to greet guests at Le Malbec. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
Use mornings at Le Malbec to set the pace for your stay. There is no rush to be anywhere.
Breakfast can be as simple as coffee, fruit and fresh croissants on your own terrace.
Then fill your days with exploration and maybe a little adventure.
For an easy walk, follow a 5km loop from Le Moulin, passing fields framed by the limestone cliffs of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park. Like a fairytale, little fawns appeared on my journey around the river bends.
The Lot and Célé rivers offer water adventures, from canoeing and fishing to swimming.
Guests at Le Malbec have use of two complimentary bicycles during their stay
Switching off by the river at Le Moulin sur Célé, where the Célé flows past the estate. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
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Two bikes are included for guests, and a short cycle brings you to the sleepy hills of Saint-Sulpice. Further on in Marcilhac-sur-Célé, just 5km away, you can wander through the abbey ruins or visit the summer market.
Pick up some Saint-Marcellin cheese, smooth and creamy enough to drizzle with honey and enjoy later with a glass of Malbec on the terrace.
Cajarc, 15km from Le Moulin, is the closest larger town for restaurants, practicalities and it’s an idyllic place to stroll, with wine bars, artisan shops and a local feel.
Cajarc, a quiet village in the Lot Valley and a lovely place to explore during a stay at Le Malbec. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
Summertime in the riverside town of Cajarc. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
Further afield, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is one of the area’s most beautiful day trips.
The medieval village, around 26km from Le Moulin, is all steep lanes, pottery shops, wine and foie gras stores.
Don’t miss the walk to the Chemin de Halage, a dramatic old towpath carved into the cliff beside the river.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, one of France’s most beautiful villages, perched above the Lot Valley. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
The Chemin de Halage, the spectacular riverside towpath carved into the cliffs near Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
Cahors, around 48km away, adds a deeper wine-country connection. Château de Haute-Serre, an excellent vineyard and restaurant, offers wine tasting, vineyard tours and creative cuisine, with taxi transfers available if required.
Food is part of the pleasure here, whether you want to go out, stay in or let someone else do the work. Dinner delivery and private chef experiences can also be arranged for guests who would rather enjoy a special meal without leaving the estate.
It’s Deirdre and Marc’s fourth season hosting at Le Moulin, and they still get a buzz from seeing guests settle in and fall for the Lot valley in their own way.
It was love at first sight when the couple came across Le Moulin sur Célé.
A year after selling Harvey’s Point, they say destiny (and some googling) led them to buy an old five-bedroom former watermill (Le Moulin), a vineyard and a collection of buildings that has them excited about hospitality again, only on a smaller scale.
Their motto now is “pleasure, not pressure”.
Marc Gysling and Deirdre McGlone at Le Malbec, their latest launch in the Le Moulin Collection. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
Deirdre McGlone serves rosé during the Wednesday evening apéro for guests at Le Moulin sur Célé. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
Deirdre McGlone selects wildflowers from her vineyard for guests at Le Moulin Collection. In the background is Le Malbec and La Carral, another villa coming soon. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
That philosophy runs through Le Malbec. The one-bed villa gives people space to reconnect with nature, with each other and with themselves.
Wellness comes naturally here. You can’t help but practice mindfulness when admiring beautiful surroundings. For guests who want more, massages and yoga can also be arranged.
The weekly vineyard apéro is another highlight, bringing guests from both properties together for wine, canapés and conversation among the vines.
The launch of Le Malbec feels even sweeter this year, coinciding with Deirdre and Marc’s first successful harvest and bottling of their own homegrown Malbec.
Like the villa itself, the wine has taken patience and care.
Time, Deirdre says, has been the greatest gift of their French venture. At Le Malbec, she and Marc want guests to have the luxury of time to slow down, reconnect and enjoy life’s luxuries in romantic rural France.
The upper-floor living space at Le Malbec. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
The reading corner at Le Malbec, a quiet spot to switch off and enjoy the calm of this southwest France retreat. Photo by Rachel McLaughlin
Le Malbec is open now and available on a weekly-rate basis, with low and high season pricing available.
Toulouse Airport is approx 2 hours’ drive from Le Moulin Collection. A car is recommended for exploring the wider area, though two bikes are included for guests. Other transport can be arranged through the concierge.
There is an EV charger on site for guests of Le Malbec.
Visit: www.lemoulinsurcele.com/stay/le-malbec/
Note: I stayed as a guest at Le Moulin Collection; all opinions and recommendations are my own.
Dining and Cooking