Just beyond Carcassonne’s fortified cité, Restaurant Bernard Rigaudis – Domaine d’Auriac distills aristocratic calm into a polished dining room where classical French technique meets Occitan terroir. Nestled within a 5-star Relais & Châteaux estate with manicured greens and a storied golf course, this Carcassonne fine dining address pairs château poise with a quietly confident kitchen led by chef Philippe Deschamps, honoring the legacy of Bernard Rigaudis through seasonal precision, immaculate plating, and a reverence for local producers.

The Story & Heritage
Founded by the visionary Bernard Rigaudis, the Domaine d’Auriac has long been a beacon of French hospitality—an elegant chartreuse of carved stone, balanced symmetry, and châtelaine décor that frames the restaurant’s gastronomy. Today, the house’s culinary direction is entrusted to chef Philippe Deschamps, an advocate for refined French cuisine with regional accents, and shaped by the mentorship lineage of chefs like Christian Têtedoie noted in the property’s heritage. Recognized by Gault&Millau as a Remarkable Restaurant, the dining room continues to evolve its classical backbone with contemporary finesse, preserving the estate’s sense of place and ceremony while embracing modern tastes.

The Cuisine & Menu
Expect a seasonal, produce-led menu that treats tradition as a canvas rather than a constraint. Anchovies from Roque in Collioure are set against crisp acidity and fine herb notes; red mullet is cooked à l’unilatérale over a whisper of heat, finished with fennel confit, rock fish jus, and a Corbières saffron rouille; maigre arrives with shellfish bound in black garlic pulp, brightened by salicornia and tender artichokes. A “Dieu le fils” cassoulet pays homage to the region’s soul, while a towering Grand Marnier soufflé and the iced Auriac cocktail deliver a grand finale. The restaurant offers a refined prix fixe and tasting menu format alongside à la carte, with thoughtful accommodations for vegetarians and dietary needs on request—positioned firmly in the fine dining tier.

Experience & Atmosphere
The dining room’s classical bones—high ceilings, sculpted pediments, and finely dressed tables—set a tone of discreet luxury. Service is choreography without theatrics: precise, warm, and unhurried. The sommelier curates a cellar that privileges Languedoc-Roussillon depth and benchmark French labels, with bespoke wine pairing options that spotlight regional terroirs. Private salons and estate-view tables enhance the sense of occasion, while pre-dinner aperitifs in the lounge connect the culinary experience to the château’s serene rhythm. Smart elegant attire is recommended. Reservations are advised, particularly for weekends and peak travel seasons, with limited seating heightening the air of exclusivity.

Closing & Call-to-Action
Dine at Restaurant Bernard Rigaudis – Domaine d’Auriac to experience Carcassonne’s most polished expression of French gastronomy in a storied Relais & Châteaux setting. Reserve two to three weeks ahead for prime evening tables or request a private salon for celebratory moments. For connoisseurs, book the tasting menu with wine pairings to unlock the full conversation between chef, cellar, and Occitan terroir.