L'Etoile Rooms and hosts table

Former vacation hotel with a garden on the banks of the Allier, L’Etoile is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent at an altitude of 1000 meters, between Lozère, Ardèche, and the Cévennes, in the mountains of southern France.

It is an ideal place for a relaxing summer stay, sheltered from the heatwave. A large dining room with a fireplace and piano, healthy and hearty meals served at communal tables. Spacious and comfortable rooms. Specialties include Belgian beers and homemade bread. There is also a conference or workshop room, a terrace, balcony, veranda, and garden.

Hiking trails: GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Trail, GR®72, GR®700 Régordane Way, GR®470 Sources and Gorges of the Allier, GRP Cévenol, Ardèche Mountains, and Margeride. Many loop hikes.

Open from 15/06 till 15/09

Rates

This former vacation hotel, transformed into a guesthouse, is a perfect conversion. Modernity and comfort have not erased the past, giving this establishment its picturesque setting and majestic character. For a hiker looking for accommodation, it is a pleasant surprise. You quickly feel at home. Philippe, the “Master of the house,” knows how to put everyone at ease right from the start. His spontaneity creates a warm and friendly atmosphere. The clientele is diverse, but whether alone or in a group, this place becomes a space for listening and sharing, where everyone finds their place. The meals are generous and communal, and conversations flow easily. They often continue into the evening, with a cup of verbena tea in hand, by the radiant fireplace. The same fire greets us in the morning at breakfast, a magical moment. The smells of wood fire, coffee, and homemade bread fill the air. On the counter, an array of colorful jam jars, filled to the brim, tempt us. They stand there, neatly lined up, waiting to be emptied (beware of the diet)... Our small group of hikers, exploring wild regions—one day in Lozère, another in Ardèche, and even to the source of the Allier—knew that by evening, we could regain our strength for the next day at L’Etoile. Each person takes something different from this unique place, but for me, the warm welcome from the owner, the space, the wood fire morning and night, and the feeling of being as comfortable as at home, create the spirit of a friendly, attentive, and cozy family pension (new style). Congratulations Philippe, for the success of your endeavor, and thank you for bringing us joy. Christian, Nanterre, France.

Back at L’Etoile after two years away, Georges and I were just as delighted to find the guesthouse and Philippe as friendly and relaxed as ever. We were a large group, yet everything worked perfectly, in calm and conviviality. Even the most feminist among us were happy to lend a hand. Clearing the table in this atmosphere is a pleasure, not a chore… Thank you, Philippe, and see you next time! Sol Villacèque, Nîmes, France.

There are places where it’s hard to leave… where you carry away the smell of warm bread that you think you can still catch on some mornings… Places where you just feel good. I return to L’Etoile after a week of hiking, creativity, and… naps in the fields of Lozère! I come back to L’Etoile, where every morning the sun shines through the windows (even on rainy days!), and every evening well-being and good humor are in the air. It’s a magical place, of rest, delicious meals, and conviviality. Thank you, Philippe, and also to all the wonderful people with whom I shared these few days. I eagerly await the words, a text, a page on this site, from the “captain of the ship” who can tell us about his guesthouse better than anyone... And if by chance, during your stay, the weather is good and you feel like sleeping in the “little cabin” by the river, don’t hesitate—you will fall asleep to the sound of the water and wake up to the song of birds. After that, you’ll be ready to face the world! I’ll return one day! Sandra, Romont, Switzerland.

Hello everyone. We stayed for 7 days during the second half of August, and L’Etoile was the starting point for many pleasant hikes. These few lines are to describe our feelings after we left. As many have testified on the site, we appreciated the welcome from the Master of the house, but also the serenity and friendliness that emerge each evening when everyone, whether familiar or not, gathers after a day of 25 km of walking, a car trip through the Causses, or a train trip to Langogne. Of course, everyone contributes a little, but Philippe is very skilled at creating the right conditions for dialogue, where music and even singing find their place after a convivial meal. We’d like to share with everyone two aspects that we noticed about this “one-man show”: Philippe is a true entrepreneur, in the economic sense of the word, who also possesses the gift of empathy for his guests, who quickly become like residents of his home thanks to his direct manner, his apparent and contagious joy of living, and also—didn’t you feel this too?—the ease and serenity with which he runs his house, no matter how many guests are present. Of course, we come here for vacation, but honestly, Philippe, you impress us with your work ethic and the efficiency you demonstrate in all the activities involved in running your business. Some people should see you in action to realize that they can’t do anything but get moving in their own lives. Secondly, you told us that your goal as a “foreigner” in this region was to earn respect (and not necessarily integration) from the locals, merchants, and administrations. We believe you’ve not only achieved that but also shown that integration doesn’t always need to be the ultimate goal. Many could learn from the wisdom you’ve adopted as a guiding principle, which has allowed you to thrive in a region that hasn’t always been open to your activities and personality. “Hats off and Respect.” Thank you for an energizing stay in every way. Michel and Christine, who discussed with you the creation of a guesthouse in Paris. Michel and Christine Froissard, Paris, France.

My teenage sons and I had three days before joining our adventure holiday in the Ardeche, so I looked on the internet for place to stay in the French countryside. The quick response from L'Etoile and telephone call with Philippe assured me we had found the right place ! Our stay at L'Etoile then exceeded expectations. The boys (and myself) loved the home-cooked wholesome food, served in ample portions for hungry trekkers and cyclists. During evening meals we practiced our French in conversation with the other guests, who also practiced their English on us. We fully endorse the comments made by others regarding the special atmosphere at L'Etoile - the perfect antidote to commercialised, plastic 'holiday accommodation'. Philippe has created an environment based on trust and respect where you can enjoy humanity again - set in an idyllic area of natural beauty. Very highly recommended. Brian, Damien and Aaron, London, United Kingdom