L'Etoile GuesthouseIdeal for a relaxing and hiking stay
Open from 15/06 till 15/09
Former holiday hotel on the banks of the Allier River, L'Etoile Bed and Breakfast is located at an altitude of 1,000 meters in Lozere, north of the Cevennes, and 300 meters from Ardeche, in the south of France.
L'Etoile Guest House, created and run by Philippe Papadimitriou, is a rare place that delights hikers and guests seeking a cool escape from the summer heat. It offers uniqueness, well-being, nature, and a holiday atmosphere reminiscent of the 1920s. Having first arrived by chance while crossing the Lozère ten years ago, I now return every year for pleasure, making my week's stay here almost a tradition. The guesthouse is very easily accessible by train; the La Bastide Saint-Laurent-les-Bains station connects to all stops up to Nîmes or Clermont-Ferrand several times a day.
Staying at L'Etoile immerses you in an atmosphere worthy of a Robert Louis Stevenson story or an Agatha Christie novel. The communal dining table, set by the fireside in a vast, bright room, is cheerful, abundant, and varied. The ice is quickly broken, thanks to the jovial humor of Philippe, your host and cook. Generations mingle; people talk, laugh, and put the world to rights. The food reflects the generous and straightforward personality of the owner, featuring good, fresh produce. The establishment is well-managed: every euro earned is reinvested into improvements.
In just a few years, Philippe Papadimitriou, originally from Belgium, has successfully restored a beautiful building from the 1920s (1926). The cohesive, understated decoration elegantly features a black and white palette. The floors showcase beautiful light wood, and the spaces are vast, bright, and immaculate. The beautifully landscaped garden overlooks the Allier River, providing a refreshing breeze. Lovers of authenticity, don't miss this experience!