Mercure Figeac Viguier du Roy

Spending a few days well off the beaten path in the riverside medieval village of Figeac is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in French culture, especially if you stay in a hotel as quintessentially French as Hôtel Mercure Figeac Viguier du Roy. From the charming stone courtyard to the decorative toile wallpaper to the classic bistro, this boutique hotel — formerly a luxurious private residence — is grounded in local history and tradition. Guest rooms are simple and elegant, with stone and wood details. The aesthetic is loosely based around literary themes: think antique writing desks, calligraphy murals, and high-quality lamps perfect for reading. In warmer weather, there’s a swimming pool and terrace. Otherwise, the hotel lends bicycles for exploring the town’s cobblestoned streets and quaint corner cafés.