Domaine Des Aromes

·        How long have you owned the property?

My mother and father bought the house and estate in 1999, after selling their other fabulous home in the same region. When my late mother died a few years ago, my sister Rosie and I took over part of the ownership.

·        What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?

My parents were in search of another challenge and adventure when they sold their previous property, another beautiful 8 bedroom Domaine. They wanted more land however (we are all very keen riders!) and loved this wild and untouched area of France, with weather that was similar to Provence and with food just as good, but without the masses of tourists you see there. Domaine Des Arômes was a ruin and in a very basic state when they bought it in 1999, but the views were absolutely breathtaking and you could feel the wildlife and nature all around you, they were sold. It also came with 630 acres of private land, with some vines and olive groves, and so they felt they could turn it into a truly special home.

·        Are there any interesting stories in its history?

The oldest part of the main house dates back to the early 18th century, and remainder of the house was rebuilt in the early 19th century. The estate originally belonged to the noble family of Chambourcy de Sorgue, who were related to the royal French Bourbon family, who used the Domaine at their shooting estate. The surrounding area and estate has a very rich history, and we have uncovered archives going back as far as 1225 (old ruins remain dotted around the estate, now piles of rubble but once little houses). We also have found many old pieces of Roman pottery and coins, Romans had a strong presence in the region, and we even found an emperess Faustina coin. The area is also famed for its rich Cathar heritage. The Cathars were part of a Christian dualist movement that was persecuted by the Catholic Church between the 12th and 14th centuries. Many of the ruins of the wars against the Cathars are still visible today, and include the magnificent castles of Quéribus and Montségur, which are both perched on the side of precipitous drops in the last folds of the Corbières mountains. 

·        Have you ever had any famous guests staying?

Last year we had supermodel Lara Stone come and stay with her son and boyfriend David for a week, along with some great friends of theirs.

·        For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…

-         Must do?

When at the house, pick an evening and walk up to the top of Montahut est, the hill opposite the pool, absolutely take a little picnic and perhaps a bottle of rosé and watch the sunset. It’s mesmerising and you can see the whole region from up there, even the Pyrenees on a clear day. Another must is a day at Biquet Plage beach, at Biquet’s restaurant, who serves lovely fresh seafood and tapas in a very relaxed and charming setting, where children and adults alike can swim in the sea. There are too many activities to list but we also highly recommend a wine tasting at one of the many local wineries, we can recommend a great few. The Languedoc is the biggest wine-producing region in France, and some wines are really exceptional.

-         Must eat?

The local specialty dish is cassoulet, which is a hearty stew and is served in all the local bistrots. For something a little more refined there are also lots of Michelin starred restaurants to choose from in the local area, we have lots of recommendations.

-         Must see?

A trip to the village of Lagrasse is a must, we love it there! It is a wonderful little medieval village, voted one of the most beautiful in France. It seems as though time has stopped there, with a little market on Saturday and a local couple offering some of the best coffee I have ever had from a mobile coffee shop. The village also has all manner of little restaurants, cafes, and artisanal shops. You can also spot the monks throughout the village and the old Abbey. Really a lovely day out and it’s so beautiful. Of course, Carcassonne and its walled citadel is another must see! Don’t leave without going to the Cité de Carcassonne and exploring its ramparts and cobbled streets, buzzing with cafés and restaurants and shops – another step back in time.

·        What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?

In summer the area become alive with villages festivals and ferias! Don’t miss out on the 14th of July in particular, Carcassonne does an incredible firework display.

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