Can you, before we dive into the details, briefly introduce yourself and any family members and share the name of your accommodation(s)?

We are a family, Frédéric and Delphine Thiébaut, and we have three children. We are the owners of Domaine de Ribaute, a medieval private hamlet with the Château de Ribaute, a private castle where we live.

We would like to share something about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourself? For example: your interests, activities in your free time, work, family, vacations?

We come from Paris. Frédéric is a restaurant owner and Delphine is an architect and interior designer. We are both passionate about heritage, architecture, gastronomy, and history.

When and how did this house come into your life, and what motivated you to make it part of your life?

We wanted to raise our children in the countryside. Twenty years ago, we fell in love with Château de Ribaute, a historical monument from the 14th to 16th century, with its medieval hamlet, chapel, and English-style park. For me as an architect, it was a blank canvas to renovate, but within a framework, as certain parts of the estate were listed as monuments.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your home?

As an architect and interior designer, we renovate a part of the Domaine every winter with our team. Delphine tries to respect the history by preserving the traces of the past, using traditional materials, and restoring aesthetic pieces, with great attention to detail.

On a personal level, what makes your home truly special to you? Are there any particular memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

We are happy to welcome you. Our customers, but also our close family and friends. Every summer, we come together in this place that has been designed by our imagination. It is a pleasure to share, to enjoy good food, and to be well surrounded.

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

In this hamlet, the traces of the past and the decor are tinted with refined simplicity and a collection of designer furniture. The charm of the old goes hand in hand with the elegance of the new.

Which part of your house do you find the most beautiful and why?

We love every part of our Domaine, but particularly the 8.5-hectare park. When you come down from the hamlet, you walk along the palm path, admire centuries-old trees, and walk over a carpet of wild mint before entering a forest that is home to a great variety of wild plant and animal species. It is a place where time stands still and nature expresses itself.

What makes the location of your accommodation unique and special?

Domaine de Ribaute is located in the heart of the Languedoc wine region. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, explore the history of nearby Béziers, relax on the Mediterranean beaches, discover the nature of Haut-Languedoc National Park, savor local gastronomy, take picturesque walks, discover the work of local artisans, and participate in regional festivities. Domaine de Ribaute is the perfect gateway to a versatile experience that combines wine, history, nature, and culture in southern France.

Are there sustainable or environmentally friendly practices associated with your property that you are proud of?

We renovate with old and natural materials, such as white lime, plaster, old tiles, and white lime paint. We find it important not to use chemical products. We use a salt treatment in the pool and clean and wash with organic soap. Additionally, we use only organic treatments in the garden. In the park, we respect nature with its local plants and areas that are entirely wild.

What motivated or inspired you to rent out your home to guests?

As hosts of Domaine de Ribaute, our passion for receiving guests and sharing our love for this estate and the beauty of the Languedoc has prompted us to open our doors. Driven by the desire to provide an authentic experience, we invite every visitor to discover, taste, and share with us.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect during a stay at your estate?

In this hamlet, the traces of the past and the decor, tinted with refined simplicity, reflect the atmosphere of the houses that are part of it. You will enjoy the tranquility of the hammam, the massage room, and the infinity pool with black glass and basalt, overlooking the English-style park and the centuries-old trees.

How does your property differ from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a unique experience for guests?

Domaine de Ribaute stands out due to a successful combination of authenticity, respectful renovation, and an immersive experience in a medieval village. It offers a true luxury of tranquility, to be enjoyed on holiday or for special events; an experience that takes you back in time.

Can you share the best compliment you have received from a guest?

A guest said: "The beautiful black pool is so clear; it's like diving into a painting by Soulages."

Do you have recommendations for guests to make the most of their holiday? Your valuable tips will be mentioned on your accommodation page!

This pristine region is worth discovering for its landscapes, restaurants, and heritage. The cathedral of Béziers, the nine locks of Fonseranes, the villages around our city, and the Haut-Languedoc regional park are all fascinating places to visit. For gastronomy, we recommend Petit Pierre, Le Chameau Ivre, La Mécanique des Frères Bonano in Colombière-sur-Orb, and La Table in Assignan.