What a relief to retire to the comforts of the Domaine d'Auriac after the theme park madness of Carcassonne (much nicer at night, after dinner, when the tourist hordes have retreated and the spectacular lighting brings out the best in the reinvented battlements). A family-run hotel, operated with quiet pride, the hotel reminds me of shabby-chic establishments my parents patronized 50 years ago across Europe. The rooms are nothing special, but have a homey charm in keeping with the establishment's ethos. The Michelin-starred restaurant gave us an excellent, earthy meal - no flights of fancy here - with only one deficit: a curiously sparse and unimaginative cheese tray. Breakfast in the hotel's lovely garden was glorious. Would we return? Yes, with great pleasure.

Our stay at this hotel was a wonderful surprise. First of all, everyone at the front desk was exceptionally welcoming when we arrived late in the afternoon following a very long drive. The restaurant went out of their way to make us a late lunch, beautifully served on their back terrace.

The hotel as well as the grounds are beautifully maintained, every detail overseen by the owner who greeted us every morning with excellent suggestions for daily itineraries during our stay. Our room was very quiet with beautiful views of the garden, certainly a wonderful oasis from the high energy of Carcassonne, although only within 10 minutes of La Cite. We enjoyed our dinner in their restaurant as well as in their bistro, again with exceptional service in both.

Our room faced the front of the building which was surprisingly quiet with a very comfortable king size bed. The room was fully equipped with a refrigerator as well as free internet, flat screen TV, a writing desk and a sitting area, providing more than ample space with plenty of light through the very large windows facing the garden. The property has been well cared for by 3 generations of the owner's family giving it the feel of a very welcoming home.

Over the past 30 years we have stayed at a number of Relais & Chateaux properties and it was at this property where we felt so welcome and at home that we happily extended our stay by several days .

we went twice. first was a nice discover. second was consequently. at few minutes from old carcassone is a point strategic to travel in south of france. madame marielle rigaudis is a fantastic owner, she makes you feel at ease only just with her smile. rooms are spacious and confortable. restaurant is correct. garden and pool amazing. we'll come back again.

We came here for the golf and the course is indeed pretty. Only some rooms are renovated, so be careful to request one. The hotel is below average Relais et Chateau standards both in terms of facilities (cheesy statues, no frills public area) and service (no free internet). A scary moment came after we requested a snack after checking in around early afternoon, and the gazpacho a la tomate is literally made from canned tomato juice, olive oil, salt, and cut-up pieces of cherry tomatoes. I complained to the manager, who told me that she made the gazpacho herself?!, and that she put the mashed tomatoes through a sieve and did not use the typical recipe for gazpacho. Fresh tomatoes, put through a sieve or not, do not taste like airplane tomato juice. After this experience I'm not surprised to read the disappointing reviews of the Michelin starred restaurant on site...If the kitchen is closed after lunch service, serving us just the tasty ham and cheese on the snack menu would've been fine. Why the express "gazpacho"??? Even though we're Americans, we're not THAT easily fooled.