In the Béziers region, Les Carasses, a fine example of the transformation of a castle into a high-end tourist destination

Le domaine s’étend sur 52 hectares. DR – Soufiane Zaidi

La serre, structure emblématique du domaine. DR

Les Carasses sont au cœur de la nature. M.M

Entre 100 et 150 convives sont accueillis chaque jour durant l’été. M.M

This estate from the very end of the 19th century, located not far from the Canal du Midi, between Quarante and Capestang, was bought in 2008 and renovated to make it a luxurious tourist accommodation. It now offers 30 accommodations ranging from studios to villas. And offers a restaurant open to all with its own vegetable garden. Guided tour in the heart of an exceptional site.

In this corner of the countryside surrounded by vineyards, one could forget that Béziers and Narbonne are only about twenty kilometers from this luxurious estate. The Château Les Carasses, built in 1886 by the Bordeaux architect Louis Garros, reveals a place with a Tuscan feel, ready to welcome those in search of serenity among its 52 hectares of estate and vines.

The decision to buy the premises in 2008 by Karl O’Hanlon, originally from Ireland, and his wife, Anita Forte, echoes their passion for this southern land, its culture and its heritage. A passion inherited from Karl O’Hanlon's father, a professor and wine journalist. "The aim in renovating the premises was to retain this period charm that immediately seduced its new owners", shares Lara De Nitto, marketing and communications manager of Domaine & Residence. Open to the public since 2011, the estate now has 30 accommodations, ranging from studios of around thirty square metres to villas. The infinity pool, facing the vines, as well as the greenhouse, an Eiffel-style winter garden, make up a refined landscape.

"A feeling of serenity"

Karl O’Hanlon reinvents the classic codes of luxury hospitality by combining conviviality and tailor-made services. He focuses on the desire to experience free-spirited stays where you feel at home, where the atmosphere is warm and with great freedom of choice and experiences. The Château des Carasses, the first of his creations, will become the cornerstone of the Domaine & Residence, founded three years previously. "The deep desire of the owners is to allow residents a feeling of serenity and freedom in the course of their day", explains the manager. An atmosphere that pleases. Since in summer, every day, a hundred people are welcomed on the estate.  

Around thirty employees are hard at work this summer. DR – Patrick Brunet

A restaurant supplied by its own vegetable garden

The castle has its own restaurant, which has been awarded two Gault et Millau toques. Open 7 days a week in summer, with a capacity of around 70 covers (40 outside the summer period), it is open to everyone, beyond the Carasses clientele. And it is managing to attract more and more locals, thanks to its cuisine combining Mediterranean flavours and local produce. The supply of seasonal fruit and vegetables is in fact possible thanks to the vegetable garden, created just over a year ago. With the aim of self-sufficiency, the products that cannot be grown in the vegetable garden are mostly removed from the menu, in order to offer a culinary experience that is as close as possible to the local area. Strawberries, peppers, squashes… A multitude of fruits and vegetables are planted according to the season. Restaurant menu starter, main course, dessert at 36 € at lunchtime and 51 € in the evening and Sunday lunchtime.

Les Carasses have their own vintages

“During the summer period, the estate has around thirty employees. Whether it is for the maintenance of the estate or the support of customers, everyone is fully invested”, rejoices Lara De Niro.

At the same time, to complete the comfort offer, a treatment cabin has just been created in the heart of nature. And that's not all! Surrounded by vines, the estate could not ignore viticulture. Associated since 2012 with the Bonfils vineyard, Les Carasses have their own vintages. Managed by the Bonfils family, two different vintages are available: Les Carasses, offering the three colors and La Serre (whites or reds). These wines can obviously be tasted during different wine tourism activities.

Les Carasses, route de Capestang in Quarante. From 250 euros per night. Contact: 04 67 00 00 67.

A family story

Anita Forte has a passion for plants and gardens, and naturally, supports any project related to them. Her open and creative personality also leads her to work on the concepts of children's clubs, being constantly attentive to the requests and needs of all. Cara, their eldest daughter, a student at the Central Saint-Martin-de-Londres fashion school, shares with her father a passion for French and Italian antiques from the end of the 19th century to the 1940s. She has restored around a hundred chandeliers that can be admired in the châteaux or even purchased on the website domainelife.com, a space created to meet the growing demand from customers to rediscover part of the Domaine & Demeure art of living in their own homes. 

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