Restaurant l'Ostal des Troubadours

A Short History of a Truly Historical Restaurant

Ostal des Troubadours is one of the oldest, most renowned restaurants in the medieval castle of Carcassonne (la Cité - 'the city' pron: 'la seetay'). The building itself dates from the 13th century, the ground floor from the 14th century, with an upper floor added in the 15th century incorporating a timbered facade with mullioned windows. There is also a protected fifteenth century staircase and Roman cellar. Throughout the building are wooden beams and pillars with the first floor displaying a wonderful, panelled ceiling.

The views from out the back of Ostal are fantastic: from the windows can be seen the walls and towers of the 'Counts Château' (le Château Comtal) and a medieval garden in the now grassy moat which runs between Ostal and the Château. From Ostal's 'sun terrace' can be seen the soaring towers of the Basilique, the famous 'Hotel de la Cité' and the bridge which crosses into the Château ( which J.F. Kennedy scaled as a young man in 1937 - Source ). An inspiring view which is ideal for taking photographs while tasting a local wine.

Ostal also has an upstairs balcony and downstairs terrace (pictured above). The building in which Ostal is situated, has over the course of centuries been used for many varied purposes including horse stables in the 14th century, a tavern in the 15th century, as well as a Cathare museum and antiques shop in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

With the arrival of mass tourism in the 70's and 80's the castle has seen an enormous increase in eating places but Ostal has stayed true to its origins still serving traditional food, often with live music. It might not be new and shiny (happily) but remains the same warm, authentic, historically ambient eating place far from the madding crowd (or as far as you can get in a castle!).

When visiting a medieval castle, it's an exciting, memorable experience, to eat in a medieval restaurant.

Welcome to l'Ostal des Troubadours!