From hay to haute cuisine

The building housing the Ecurie du parc restaurant in Clervaux has a much humbler past than its current menu suggests. It was originally built as the stables for the nearby Clervaux Castle. Back then the only guests were horses and the only thing on the menu was hay. The architecture still reflects this sturdy history with thick stone walls that were meant to withstand kicks from grumpy animals. It is quite a transformation to go from a smelly barn to one of the most noted restaurants in the northern part of Luxembourg.

A very convenient location

The restaurant sits right opposite to the castle which makes it very hard to miss. This means you do not have to walk very far if you eat too much and need to lie down immediately. The setting is very picturesque and looks like something from a fairy tale. It is almost enough to make you forget that the building was essentially a garage for four legged transport a few centuries ago.

Keeping the old vibes alive

The renovation of the stables was done carefully to keep the rustic charm. You will see a lot of wood and stone inside which reminds you of the building’s age. It manages to feel cosy rather than damp and draughty which is a significant improvement on the original design. It is the kind of place where you can feel sophisticated while sitting in a room that once smelled strongly of manure.

What to expect today

Nowadays the only horses you might see are the ones on people’s polo shirts. The restaurant focuses on French and Luxembourgish cuisine with a modern twist. The service is professional and the atmosphere is formal enough to justify the prices. It is a popular spot for tourists who have finished looking at the castle and locals who want to feel fancy.