Hostellerie Du Grand Duc

A real treat: we ate delicious homemade food beneath the trees in the garden on a beautiful day. Thank you, Sandrine, Jeremy, and the excellent staff.

We loved sitting in the shaded garden with a cold beer and taking in the views. The food was very good and nicely presented, and the service was friendly and efficient. This beautiful old hotel sits amid stunning scenery in the upper Aude valley, and they’ve clearly put a lot of effort into making it somewhere you’d want to return to. Free secure parking was a bonus.

The dining menu suited our group of hungry cyclists perfectly, with plenty to eat. We were four people cycling across the Pyrenees, and this was our first hotel after leaving Collioure. We only stayed one night, though I could easily have stayed longer. It’s a fantastic hidden gem in the mountains. Thanks to Sandrine and the team for a special stay. I can’t wait to come back and explore the nearby walking trails.

The food is what makes Sandrine’s cooking special, with little twists on familiar recipes. We finished with banoffie pie and fruit crumble, both delicious, and chose them because this was probably our last visit of the season before the place closes soon. Earlier, I had the tender chevreuil in a rich but not overpowering sauce, while my husband had a beautifully cooked, tender rib of veal that didn’t even need a steak knife. My cepe tart from the day’s specials was absolutely delicious. He says Sandrine’s gravlax beats any he’s had elsewhere. The menu is always substantial, with extra daily specials too. We asked Jeremie for a white wine recommendation, and he waited until we’d chosen our dishes before selecting one. Very professional. The whole team welcomed us warmly and seated us at a table with a lovely garden view. We came for Sunday lunch, and loved the whole experience, a fabulous meal in a beautiful setting with welcoming, accommodating people.