International Innkeepers Exchanges

Hello,

My name is Philippe Papadimitriou, and I am the owner of L'Etoile, a charming guesthouse located between Lozère and Ardèche, in the heart of the southern mountains of France. Here, in a preserved natural setting, away from the hustle and bustle, I have the pleasure of welcoming travelers in search of tranquility, nature, and authenticity, who come here to share unforgettable moments in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

For several years, I have initiated a unique project that is particularly close to my heart: an exchange between innkeepers and owners of similar establishments from various horizons. This project has brought together hosts from the United States, Canada, Australia, Poland, Morocco, and other countries. These cross-stays, over the course of a few days, allow us to discover exceptional places while forging bonds. These experiences, marked by sharing and generosity, have allowed us to form lasting friendships and enrich our practices as hosts.

My proposal: I invite you to stay in my guesthouse L'Etoile in exchange for a more or less equivalent stay in your establishment (house or guest rooms, farm inn, hotel, etc.). My offer includes half-board: a hearty and convivial meal served at the guest table in the evening, a night in a spacious and comfortable room, and a delicious breakfast to start the day well. This exchange is a unique opportunity to travel at low cost, discover new regions, and share our professional and personal experiences in a warm setting.

About L'Etoile

L'Etoile is a former holiday hotel built in the 1930s, completely renovated to offer all modern comforts while retaining its old-world charm. The house is surrounded by a peaceful garden, bordered by the Allier river, and enjoys an exceptional location in La Bastide-Puylaurent, at an altitude of 1,024 meters, in the north of the Cévennes.

We offer healthy and generous family cuisine, prepared with local products and served at the guest table in a friendly atmosphere. For nature and adventure lovers, we provide hiking and biking routes suitable for all levels, allowing you to discover the majestic landscapes of the region. If you prefer to rest, our wooded park, sunny terrace, and conservatory are perfect places to rejuvenate.

A rich and preserved region

Located at the gates of the Cévennes National Park, L'Etoile is the ideal starting point to explore a region of exceptional beauty. Nearby, Mont Lozère rises to 1,700 meters, offering spectacular panoramas of authentic and wild landscapes.

The region is traversed by several of the most famous long-distance hiking trails (GR) in France:

The GR®70, or Stevenson Way, immortalized by the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson in his work Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes. Stevenson even stopped in La Bastide-Puylaurent and stayed at the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey, a place full of history.
The GR®700, also called the Regordane Way, which follows an ancient medieval route.
The GR®7 and GR®72, as well as numerous loop circuits such as the tours of Cévenol, Tanargue, Margeride, or Montagne Ardéchoise.

Lozère is still a relatively unknown region, preserved from over-tourism, where nature, heritage, and history blend. You will discover picturesque villages like La Garde-Guérin, classified among the most beautiful villages in France, Pradelles, or Châteauneuf-de-Randon, each rich in medieval architecture and fascinating history.

This land is marked by stories that have shaped the history of France: the Camisard rebellions, the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants, or the legend of the Beast of Gévaudan. The Romanesque chapels and castles from the 11th and 12th centuries testify to a past that seems still alive.

And if we exchanged our worlds?

If this exchange proposal inspires you, I would be delighted to welcome you to my guesthouse L'Etoile and to discover your establishment in return. It is with joy that I will show you my region, its hidden treasures, and its sweetness of life.

Looking forward to meeting you and exchanging with you,

Philippe Papadimitriou

Former resort hotel with a garden on the banks of the Allier, L'Étoile Guesthouse is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent, nestled between Lozère, Ardèche, and the Cévennes in the mountains of Southern France. Positioned at the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Chemin Stevenson, GR®72, GR®700 Voie Régordane (Saint Gilles), GR®470 Sources and Gorges of the Allier, GRP® Cévenol, Montagne Ardéchoise, and Margeride. It offers numerous loop routes for hiking and day-long cycling excursions. Ideal for a relaxing stay.