Château des Ducs de Joyeuse

We had high expectations for this hotel and all fell short by far since we booked on recommendation of a trusted source. Unfortunately neither of us knew that the property sold thus management changed shortly before we arrived. Disaster. Chaotic, awkward arrival-not welcoming at all and confusion when we asked for help with our bags. When we got to our room the a/c was not on and it was an oven. They tried to get it going but didn’t know how it worked. Finally after trying unsuccessfully to get to sleep my husband climbed up on a chair and got it working. Not a great first impression. Dinners-very limited menu clearly designed for groups, nothing special at all and somewhat odd to tell the truth. Servers were awkward and barely trained, breakfast staff in the morning were headed by a scowling woman and the same awkward servers from the evenings. We got the impression they were afraid of the scowling boss. Cannot recommend this hotel.

A restaurant to visit at least once (preferably several times). Great meals, wonderful service, super wines, ambiance perfect (Bas Armagnac). Courtyard eating in summer, inside for winter. Dogs welcome. Small bedrooms - but they are in keeping with the fact that this is an ancient protected building. Plenty of parking

We were lucky to spend 16 days at this beautiful chateau in Couiza, a renaissance castle from the 16th century at the foot of the Pyrenees. The restaurant did not stop surprising us with new gorgeous dishes every day served with the best of service. Cozy and clean room with air condition, nice pool and outdoor retreat area. The hosts Isabelle and Vincent together with the staff made our stay a memorable one, and we will for sure return to this lovely place.

The place as a historical castle is a unique experience and definitely part of the special lodging experiences one may do. Actually it was my second stay there but my first lovely visit is dating back about 15 years. Great finding - the experience did repeat! The rooms are respecting the medieval character above all in furniture - but remains comfortable, above all with regard to the bed comfort. The hotel has a nice pool area which is great after a full day of discoveries you may do in the land of cathares. What an experience for dinner - if the weather allows dinner will be served (breakfast too) within the court area that is fully surrounded by the castle walls and thus perfectly protected. The hotel cuisine is very good, a little limited in choice but of great quality with natural ingredients. Good wine list with focus on wines of the Midi. Very friendly and competent staff and owner!

Spent two nights with a friend in this magical place. Had a delicious lunch accompanied by great wines from Limoux in the beautiful courtyard of the castle. Super friendly and attentive staff that kindly prepared a very tasty cold meat and cheese platter when we arrived late one evening.

Superb two night stay at Ducs de Joyeuse - friendly welcome great room - small but very nice swimming pool - we visted Carcasonne from here - food was excellent however they could do with clearer allergen information on the menu (there was none - that means you make your selection wait for server to take your order indicate allergy wait for server to enquire of kitchen then select another menu item - restaurants need to realise that they can save all that waiting and delay by simply putting the information on the menu in the first place) - other than that an excellent stay