The Domaine was a farm until about 50 years ago. An industrialist from Paris then acquired the estate, and rebuilt the present main house on the site of the old farm. 

Although the estate is only 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) from Carcassonne, it is reached via a 1 mile long private drive from the local route départementale, so privacy is unsurpassed!

The estate lands extend to 72 hectares (172 acres), and comprise rough pasture, improved grazing, and deciduous and coniferous woodland. It is nicely undulating, and at roughly 400 metres above sea level, the views south to the Pyrénées, and the rest of the Corbières, are really fantastic.

There are also two small lakes, one which dries in summer. You can just see one of our dogs, Easter, the labrador, swimming in the picture to the right.

The views from the ridge that forms the northern boundary, down into the wine-producing villages and fields of Monze and Pradelles-en-Val, and then to the north towards the Montagne Noire, are also superb. In fact, we would say that the estate has the best scenery in the area, owing to its elevated position.

There are some great walks. A full circuit takes about an hour, and there are two half-circuits, each taking around 30 minutes. You can also walk the drive, which is 2 miles there and back! Wild herbs and plants abound, with thyme, juniper, lavender, and several types of wild orchid.

In spring, the main oak wood is full of daffodils, and there is a profusion of small yellow and blue wild iris, and a type of miniature daffodil (see photo right) which surprisingly likes growing amongst the rockiest ground. You may also come across Violaine, our very friendly pony!