Built during the reign of Charles VIII, in a region of outstanding natural beauty,
this castle has been turned into a hotel of great distinction. All the rooms are furnished
in 15th century style with tapestries and painted ceilings. You can dream of the past in
front of the large open fire place or be enchanted by the wild scenery on the terrace.
As one drives along the D907 "Gorges du Tarn" Road and arrives at a point some 5km northeast
of La Malene, a modest roadsign announces the imminent presence of the Hotel de la Caze. And
then, on turning a corner, La Caze comes into view. It is resplendent with towers befitting
Rapunzel, and could be straight out of a fairytale.
Still with the original cobblestone upper floor, this hotel today, amazingly,
fully maintains the ambiance of the 15th century.
The Valley of the Tarn is sure to captivate anyone who is at all interested in nature.
One can hire canoes and gently paddle downstream, or rent a motorized boat complete with
boatman who will "drive" you upstream. If you understand French the added bonus will be
an interesting commentary about this valley which is one of the prettiest in Europe.
Often, as you look up, the road will seam to be clinging right on to the cliffside !
Explore some of the villages that are little changed since the 15th century, enjoy the
splendid cuisine bourgeoise served at the small roadside restaurants along the valley,
and wash this down with wines that are very often produced in vineyards only a kilometer
or two from where you are drinking them.
