Hostellerie du Grand Duc is a serene and comfortable stopover if you are visiting the Cathar castles along D117 in the Languedoc Roussillon region of France. The property is located in an area of exceptionally dramatic scenery, and you get great views of Chateau Puilaurens as you drive the winding 7 miles from D117 to Hostellerie du Grand Duc.

The rooms and baths are clean and comfortable. Guests should note that the rooms are located on the 3rd floor, so it's necessary to climb two flights of steps. (A staff member is available to assist you with baggage.) Dinner is served in an elegant room with French doors opening onto a terrace or on the terrace itself. The food and service is exceptional, and that is what made the Hostellerie such a memorable stop for our family. The property also provides a wonderful breakfast--croissants and other pastries, yogurts, cereals, fresh fruits, and a selection of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate--in a cheerful and cozy breakfast room that also opens onto the terrace.

Potential guests should be aware of one jarring note: the owners appear to be renovating a currently unused section of the property. Unfortunately, this is the first part of the property that you see as you walk in from the parking lot and it is a bit disconcerting. Keep walking toward the tables on the terrace and the fish pond--hopefully you will be as pleased as we were.