After a swift 25-minute taxi or drive from tiny Beziers airport, it's hard to know who'll be more excited as the first view of the rolling grounds, beautiful limestone turrets, and glistening infinity pool of the magnificent Chateau Les Carrasses sweeps into view. Will it be grown-ups, who'll be chomping at the bit to check-in at their sleek and stylish new home, or mini-guests who'll be totally enchanted by the Disney-esque fairytale castle exterior. Whichever it is, there's little doubt that the initial surge of excitement is unlikely to fade.
This chic yet family-friendly chateau was treated to some serious investment in 2011 and now boasts 28 luxurious self-catering apartments and former grape-pickers cottages, some with private pools, a kid-friendly but foodie's paradise of a bistro, a cocktail bar, glamorous boutique, clay tennis courts, gourmet picnic service, room-service meal delivery, and a kids clubhouse (open to guests in high summer only) with supervision in summer. That's not to mention the stunning communal infinity pool, boules pitches, beach volleyball court and glorious 10-acres of grounds, which guests are encouraged to roam using the bikes and picnic service provided. Junior guests aged 4 and over love the outdoorsy approach of the summer holiday kids activities that are based in the kids 'HQ' but mainly involve exploring the grounds and have been designed by co-owner Anita O'Hanlon, a trained child psychologist, to be a refreshing alternative to the 'sit and bead or draw' approach of some kids clubs. Even outside of school holidays, there's plenty for little ones to do with trikes available on free loan, acres of lawns to play on, and a beach volleyball pitch mini guests are encouraged to use as a giant sandpit with toys provided.
Although the accommodation is self-catering, great food and drink is high on the agenda at Les Carrasses, not least because Languedoc native, chef and former producer for TV's Food Network, Anne DeRavel is at the helm in the kitchen. Her enthusiasm for the region, which has recently been gathering quite a reputation for some of France's best wines, is obvious in the menus of the funky bistro, as well as the in-room dining with delicious plats du jour, pizzas, BBQ, and picnic packs, all based on fresh, seasonal produce from local artisan suppliers.
Being so close to the airport, itself only a shot hop from the UK, Les Carrasses is perfect for an indulgent weekend break, but its stylish and well-equipped accommodation will have most guests hankering to stay much longer and, with so many places to explore in the region, whether the sights and sounds of Carcassonne, Montpellier, and Marseille, or the beautiful coastline, two weeks is easily filled. Every suite, apartment, and villa at Château Les Carrasses is spacious and luxurious, making the most of the impressive dimensions and original features of the 19th-century buildings. Each property is individually interior designed, though all share a chic French take on tradition-meets-modernity. Beds are large and comfortable and bathrooms have large tubs and/or showers, comfortable bathrobes and luxury toiletries. Living areas offer wi-fi, flat-screen TV/DVD, and iPod, fully charged with carefully selected playlists. Every property has a fully-equipped kitchen, and all are air-conditioned and heated. Washing machines ae provided in all apartments except the chateau suites and attic apartments. Most of the properties have sunny private gardens or terraces with BBQ, outdoor dining areas, and sun loungers. Many also enjoy private heated pools.
Accommodation Overview - Le Parc Bellevue:
Booking requests from this page will secure the stunning and spacious (60m square) 2-bedroom Le Parc Bellevue which is one of the most impressive of the Chateau's suites. Those looking for more space, an outside terrace or private pool, should see our listings for other accommodation at Les Carrasses here.
Originally the Château's two front bedrooms, Le Parc Bellevue is now a luxury apartment with splendid views from huge picture windows over the pool terrace to the Vineyards beyond. The first floor, single-story, apartment has a good-sized living space with a well-equipped kitchen (usual gear including dishwasher and washing machine), large dining table, sofa, and armchairs plus a host of period features including and elegant fireplace. The master bedroom has a good-sized double bed (160cm), plenty of wardrobe space, a TV, and a separate bathroom with a shower over. Along the hallway, the twin/double room (2 x 80cm bed or 1x180cm bed) has its own ensuite shower room and excellent wardrobe space. The French doors to Juliet balconies on the lounge, with their stunning views over the pool, vineyard, and Pyrenees beyond, make this a very special apartment. It also helps with baby monitor reception to the bar and bistro terrace below (no noise disturbance).
