Before we begin, could you introduce yourselves?

We are Christoff van Staden and Peter Aucamp. We are originally from South Africa and now live in the south of France. Formerly lawyers, we made the switch to the hospitality sector in South Africa. We were the owners of Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps, The Outpost in Kruger National Park, and Ten Bompas Hotel in Johannesburg, which we still own. In our free time, we enjoy design, art, and discovering local products.

How did Bouquerie Lagrasse come into your life?

We originally visited Lagrasse as a holiday destination and fell in love with this medieval village and the rich Corbières wine region. Across from our house was an old, disused bakery that had fallen into disrepair. We made an offer, and over the past few years, we've reconstructed the property and breathed new life into it, transforming it into Bouquerie Lagrasse.

Could you tell us more about the renovation process?

Our goal was to preserve the history and exterior of the building while creating a modern and comfortable interior. We drew a lot of inspiration from Scandinavian design to give the space a lighter, cleaner feel. Our love for art, especially provocative art, is visible throughout the hotel.

What makes this place personally special to you?

The small number of rooms allows us to connect with our guests and provide them with an intimate experience. We collaborate with local producers and showcase their products in our hotel.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your accommodation?

The ground floor of Bouquerie Lagrasse is dominated by a large French kitchen or cooking studio, which guests can use. We also offer cooking classes for guests who want to learn the cuisine of the South of France. Art pieces from Barcelona, South Africa, and Lagrasse decorate the interior. Many of our rooms are equipped with kitchens, so guests can explore the local cuisine themselves.

What part of your accommodation do you find most beautiful, and why?

Our favorite part is the wine cellar. This small space features a sepia-toned photograph of the bakery family, who sheltered a Jewish couple during World War II. The wine is stored in a Gabon cage filled with corks. It's a cozy and inviting space for guests to select and sample the wonderful wines from the Corbières region.

What makes the location of your accommodation special?

Bouquerie Lagrasse is located in the medieval village of Lagrasse, famous for the Abbey Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse, whose origins date back to the 8th century. The abbey is still in use, and our guests are encouraged to visit it. Lagrasse is situated in the heart of the Corbières wine region, known for its full-bodied red wines and aromatic whites.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly features in your accommodation that you are proud of?

We focus on local products, such as vegetables and herbs from our own garden, and honey, vinegar, wines, and olives sourced from the village. Sustainability plays an important role in everything we do.

What motivated you to rent out your property to guests?

After working in hospitality for many years and traveling extensively, we believe it's important to discover new places, experience their traditions and food, and share this with others. It's a pleasure for us to share our love for the area, the food, the wines, and the art with our guests.

Could you describe the experience guests can expect when staying at your accommodation?

Guests can enjoy a comfortable and luxurious design hotel, with a tailored experience provided by a friendly and welcoming team.

What makes your accommodation unique compared to others?

We believe that the history of our building, the charm of medieval Lagrasse, combined with the design and art in Bouquerie Lagrasse, offers a unique and personal experience for our guests.

What is the best compliment you've received from a guest?

One guest wrote: “A surprising establishment that combines modernity, artistic provocation, and historical footprints. Bouquerie, ideally located in the historic heart of Lagrasse, offers the refined comfort and craftsmanship that any traveler expects, but the welcome, warmth, kindness, and professionalism of the hosts made our stay perfect and even unforgettable. We highly recommend this establishment.”

What do you hope guests will take away from their stay at your accommodation?

We hope that guests will remember their experience of the village, the hotel, and our team, and that they will always have a positive feeling about Lagrasse.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to make the most of their holiday?

We recommend visiting the Cité of Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Local wineries, the Cathar castles, and the coastal towns of Gruissan and Leucate are also worth exploring. Of course, there's plenty to do in the village itself, with museums, restaurants, and the market. For hiking enthusiasts, there are several well-marked trails.