Last week saw the official opening of Karma Château de Samary – our opulent country residence close to the beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage protected citadel of Carcassonne in France’s rural heartlands. Lovingly restored with decor and furnishings that pay homage to the property’s 19th century heritage, this beautiful property set in substantial grounds in the pretty Languedoc-Roussillon region is now taking bookings… Besides the property itself, here are three great reasons to make this your big summer trip for 2022!
La Cité
We’ve all visited ruins before – but La Cité is something different altogether. The citadel is truly one of France’s jewels and its history as a stronghold dates back as far as 100 BC. It is unique both in its scale and its immaculate state of repair. There are towers (53 in all), drawbridges, churches, a central keep and a maze of cobblestone streets, variously constructed over an 800-year period that you’ll want to spend a full day exploring!
Canal du Midi
La Cité is not the only UNESCO World Heritage site found here – there is also the Canal du Midi. Constructed three centuries ago by a visionary called Pierre-Paul Riquet, it connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and was considered one of the engineering wonders of the 18th century – which is saying a lot in what was a golden age of industry. Best experienced on a leisurely bike tour.
The Food & the Wine – all of it!
The cuisine and wines of France are of course world-renowned and the Languedoc-Rousillon region has contributed much to this reputation, not least because it is home of that staple of French cooking, the Cassoulet – a brawny mix of white beans, duck and pork whose origins are lost to time, but are now forever associated with Carcassonne. Then there are the wines which are experiencing an exciting renaissance, with the highest percentage of organic wines in the country, while Languedoc AOC is one of the fastest growing categories. Stay tuned for the imminent launch of our new Karma Rosé which we are releasing in collaboration with Domaine Caux et Sauzens.
We booked Samary from June 18 -June 25
Can you please send us some foto’s of the rooms.
And I hope there is airco in the room, because of the “very hot” weather forecast!
Hi Mr Briels! If you head over to the Karma Chateau de Samary Facebook page there are more photos – and our webpage will be up and running very soon – But no AC for the South of France unfortunately.
We have booked for 15, 16 and 17th June. What events
Should we book in advance before our arrival?
Hi Tracey, we don’t have any specific events happening at the Chateau – but they’ll be plenty going on around Carcassonne if you have a little browse online!
We were very fortunate to spend a couple of days in Chateau Samary last week. It’s absolutely fabulous! Everyone made us very welcome and went out if their
way to make sure we had a lovely time. The house is elegantly dressed with a well stocked bar. Breakfast is typically continental, encouraging you to linger in the library and drawing room. We are so looking forward to returning next year.
Your fantastic review is sure to encourage other Karma Members and Owners to hear to Chateau Samary! Thank you, Mrs. Boydell. We’re so pleased to hear how well you were taken care of. We look forward to welcoming you again! 🙂
Dear Karma,
We are most interested in staying in Carcassonne next year. I remember visiting there aqbout 50 years ago and have always wished to return.
Next Spring would be ideal.
Wow 50 years ago, what incredible memories – It will be exciting to see how much has changed since your last visit – Let’s get you booked in!
Please send me the address so I can organise how to get there in 2023 hopefully. We visit friends who live near Carcassonne so want to know how far away from them that would be. Thank you. Elizabeth
We booked for 4 people from 16 July . Is there a kitchen in the combination unit? Rgds Katalin
We’re looking forward to welcoming you! There is no kitchen in any of the room types; the property is a traditional, charming chateau to which we didn’t want to add too many renovations – But there is a communal kitchen downstairs which you can access.