I agree with everything in the reviews preceding mine with the one exception that the refurbishment noticed by a previous visitor is evidently finished as there was no sign of it when we stayed.

The previous reviews sum this hotel up pretty well and it's difficult to know what to add. But there are a few things I can emphasise, all of them good.

The organisation is superb, even though it's a small and simple hotel. Madame has everything very much under control. The word that comes to mind is "correct" - everything is very correct; it is hard to imagine much being left to chance.

The welcome was most friendly and helpful. It is true that the stairs are steep and slightly uneven in places, but Madame insisted on lugging the heavier of our two cases up to our second floor room herself and had we not protested, I think she would probably have carried the other one up there too! In fact, Monsieur arrived post-haste and took the other one, so we just followed in their wake.

One word of warning - please do not mistake formality for unfriendliness. This place is very "French" in the best way, so don't expect a laid-back, casual kind of amiability. It's more amicable than amiable if I can put it that way.

Don't expect grandeur either. Any that there is, or might have been, is now slightly faded, but the hotel has charm in bucketloads and the slight fading adds to that charm. If you like the truly grand style it is not for you. But you won't pay "grand style" prices either! The Duc represents very good value. Our stay of 2 nights in a nice double room, including breakfast, dinner (both evenings), all drinks and wine cost us 392 euros, and we didn't stint ourselves at dinner.

Our room was fairly basic but spacious and comfortable with everything we needed including a good en-suite bathroom with a full-length bath with shower over. The comfort extended to the double bed which was nicely old-fashioned with sheets and blankets. There was no noise - it could not have been more peaceful.

The food at the Grand Duc while not sophisticated, either in its combinations or in presentation, was nonetheless seriously good. Simple but good ingredients, well-cooked and attractively presented without any pretence at creating a work of art - this approach has a lot going for it. The wine selection is nicely varied though entirely French (what a surprise) with some local wines at very reasonable prices. We were able to get some good advice about these and helpful directions to the vineyards where we could buy them at a fraction of any restaurant price.

There is little of note in the village of Gincla, but it is an agreeable place and placed in a fascinating and beautiful region with an extraordinary history. The hotel makes an excellent centre for exploration of the Cathar country and the ruined castles. Carcassonne is not far to drive if you can stand the stress of the crowds and the trinket stalls (but do go there once if you haven't been). It's not far to Limoux either, with its famed "Blanquette" - again you can buy direct from the Chateau or Domaine, often with a little tour thrown in, and again the friendly people at the Grand Duc will give good advice about which ones to visit. This is also a fine area for walking.

This was our first hotel in France after crossing the Pyrenees from Spain and it really served to emphasise the cultural differences. We ate well in Spain, but this was still the best food we had tasted since leaving Bilbao over two weeks previously.

Our holiday (of five weeks) was an anniversary celebration and to spend time together. We both think the Grand Duc would be a great place to stay as part of a touring honeymoon or romantic get-away. But it would also be good for families, older people, singles - indeed I can't imagine who it could not cater to successfully, with the possible exception of those on business, but even that would be largely because of its location. If you wanted a quiet conference it would be just fine.

It is well worth the 20 minute diversion up the narrow road through the gorge and past the Chateau Puilaurens. And there's ample parking when you get there but don't try to negotiate the hairpin bend to take you up to the hotel in one movement - it doesn't work unless you're very adept at handbrake turns.

Oh and yes, the owls add their own particular charm to the mix. And there I was, thinking the name Grand Duc derived from some nobleman! A clever play on (French) words if ever I saw one.

This is a great family-run hotel (actually the village Chateau). The location is perfect, Just up a winding river valley from one of the most beautiful Cathares Chateau. About an hour's drive from Carcassonne. The rooms were spacious and clean and extremely quiet, which was nice after a noisier night spent near Carcassonne. And the diner at the restaurant was truly superb. Highly recommended.

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.

Stayed Oct 04 76 euro for a double, large room, very comfortable. Restaurant excellent. Nothing else in the small town. Grand Duc means Large Owl and they have funky owls all over the place.