News / Events
Oil and Watercolor Exhibition – Hester van Wijngaarden
May 1 – November 1, 2026
We are pleased to welcome to the castle’s walls the paintings and oil works of Hester van Wijngaarden, which will be on display and for sale throughout the summer!
Hester van Wijngaarden paints in oil on white or natural canvas. Her three favorite subjects are: the horse, the bull, and the elephant. All are set against an abstract background that accentuates the power of the subject. The artist’s work focuses primarily on light and power, while maintaining a style that is both figurative and contemporary. Hester van Wijngaarden practices her art in the Aude region at the foot of the Pyrenees. Her paintings, which explore these three animal archetypes, draw inspiration from the surrounding nature, and her retreat far from the cities remains essential to her creative process.
“In my humble opinion, these animals have a lot to say! They have inhabited this earth since the dawn of time. Having been particularly close to horses since childhood, I have come to realize over the years that their cooperation with humans is simply an intelligent adaptation to the world we have shaped, rather than submission. And with gentleness, patience, and sensitivity, they offer us a more humble and grounded perspective – a reminder of where we come from and where we might be headed.”
Learn more about Hester van Wijngaarden
Throughout the summer, visit the Château de Mézerville for an exhibition of local crafts in the great hall of the knights.
Mohair clothing, pottery and turned wood objects, plant cyanotypes, plant syrups, herbal teas… discover local craft and the wonders of our talented local producers and artisans, and do your shopping!
f you are unable to visit the castle but are interested in the craftsmen’s work on display, here are their websites:
Mohair du Pastel
L’âme des bois
Les Paillettes by Pepite
Atelier Meva
Aux Herbes Nomades
Fée de fleurs – Carcassonne
Le comptoir du Pastel
Take advantage of your stay at the Château de Mézerville to discover plant cyanotype – 2-hour workshop
A creative and botanical activity to discover during your stay!
For two hours, Marie-Cécile, a cyanotype artisan, will introduce you to plant cyanotype. A fun workshop open to everyone aged 7 and up.
Cyanotype is an ancient photographic printing technique that uses the sun’s UV rays and a little water to work its blue magic. Using local plants, you will create real plant prints that will be revealed before your eyes.
Marie-Cécile will bring all the necessary equipment, including the plants. Each participant will leave with four personal creations in beautiful shades of blue (13×18 cm or 15×20 cm formats, plus a bookmark). An original activity to create with your own hands and leave with a unique souvenir.
Duration: 2 hours
Location: indoors and outdoors in the castle garden
For whom: adults and children aged 7 and over
Materials provided: prepared paper, plants, trays, tweezers, etc.
Reservation: at least 48 hours in advance, subject to availability.
The workshop is available for groups of two or more people.
Prices:
2 people -> €45 per person
3 people -> €40 per person
Family of 4 -> €36 per person
To discover Marie-Cécile’s work:
Les Paillettes by Pepite
