The Tours de Merle are the ruins of a castle in the commune of Saint-Geniez-ô-Merle, in the Corrèze département of France. A feudal fortress from the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, which was subject of a classification as a historic monument since July 30, 1927.
In the fourteenth century, Merle included seven castles, two chapels and village, owned by seven noblemen from Merles.
During the Hundred Years' War, the English took one of the towers and a castle in 1371.
In 1574 the Calvinists took the citadel, where they established a garrison, they were driven out two years later by the co-lords. But the fortress was abandoned by those who preferred to live in places that were more pleasant and certainly more accessible.

Tours de Merle

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If you have never visited the Cantal, you are in for a pleasant surprise and a holiday to remember.  To experience it at its best, stay at the awe-inspiring fifteenth century Château de la Vigne, a medieval fortress of grand proportions, owned today by the Count and Countess de la Tour, descendants of the family who constructed it. 
The château was built with two round towers under pepperpot roofs and a square tower that served as a keep and to which a building was added in the 18th century.  Among other notables, Princess de Condé and philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau stayed at the château in 1767. Today, the château is a warm and welcoming step back in history for all who visit here. 
The owners are delightful and friendly, and everyone is made to feel at home.  Guest rooms are accessed via the round tower shown above in this photo up an ancient circular stone stairway.  The top floor of the tower houses an incredible miniature automobile museum ~ the collection of the Count from his childhood to the present day.  Guests should be sure to take the tour of the museum. The Salle de Justice and Chapel boast amazing sixteenth century frescoes on the walls and ceilings, and many of the rooms are in their original state with their paneling, floors and ceilings well preserved. 
Now, you can take exciting hot air balloon rides with Montgolfier Salers.  You know, of course, that the Montgolfier brothers invented the hot air balloon, so this is an authentic experience!   Make your reservations to stay in one of the lavish guest rooms at Château de la Vigne and learn more about flying over the magnificent Cantal countryside in a balloon.  It will whisk you away for your amazing flight right from the Château's gardens.
The location of the château is excellent ~ atop a hill overlooking the gentle, rolling landscape of the Cantal with views into the nearby village of Escorailles.  The morning mist over the Monts du Cantal followed by striking sunrises will long be remembered, as will the symmetrical and impressive French style gardens with a panoramic view beyond.  Guest rooms offer great variety from a medieval room with stained glass windows to a spacious rose-colored room with a warming fireplace.  Breakfast is served in the 18th century dining room in front of a roaring fire in cooler weather.  Hostess, Countess Anne de la Tour, loves to cook and is offering cooking courses, and both the Count and Countess give French Language Immersion classes.
https://www.au-chateau.com