About us

La Mercerie is, at the beginning, the story of two brothers, Mr. Alphonse and Mr. Raymond, the Réthorés, without whom we would not have been able to explore so deeply what the words "solidarity", "mutual aid", "generosity" and "doing together" meant.

They awakened in us the insatiable will to continue their work while disrupting our lives, our way of thinking, our own projects. Indeed, through the arrangement of this unique and extraordinary place that conditioned their life, they left behind them a work, an unfinished Castle certainly but with a large number of clues allowing us to continue the work already undertaken, in the respect of their philosophy.

Our mission was to save the place in order to pass it on. We carried out this task in a social and supportive manner and while meeting the environmental requirements of the moment.

For example, we used wood from the forest to make all the wooden parts (flooring, frames, etc.), with the surplus being used for the castle's heating system.

Mr. Alphonse and Mr. Raymond also left us photos revealing their wishes.

They wanted this place to be a cultural place, which is respected through the actions carried out by the Association of Volunteers of the Château de La Mercerie.

They received many visitors with whom they shared their passion.

Today we have taken over and are happy to welcome you.

Thank you, dear visitors, for contributing to this beautiful building because, without you, nothing would have been possible.

Didier Jobit

Mayor  of Magnac-Lès-Gardes