A former holiday hotel with a garden on the banks of the Allier River, L’Etoile is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent at an altitude of 1,000 meters, between Lozere, Ardeche, and the Cevennes, in the mountains of southern France. It is an ideal place for a relaxing summer stay, sheltered from the summer heat. Enjoy a large dining room with a piano and a crackling fireplace, and healthy, hearty meals served at communal tables. We offer spacious and comfortable rooms. Our specialties include Belgian beers and homemade bread. There is also a conference or workshop room, a terrace, a balcony, a veranda, and a garden.
Hiking trails: GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Trail, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane Way, GR®470 Sources and Gorges of the Allier, GRP® Cevenol, Ardeche Mountains, and Margeride. Many loop hikes are available.
Open from June 15th to September 15th
Contact: L'Etoile Guesthouse, Philippe Papadimitriou, 37 Route de Mende, 48250 La Bastide-Puylaurent, Lozere, France. Tel: 06 83 99 70 86,
"The transformation of this former holiday hotel into a guesthouse is a perfect success. Modernity and comfort have not erased the past, preserving the establishment's picturesque setting and majestic character. For a hiker looking for accommodation, it is a truly pleasant surprise. You quickly feel right at home. Philippe, your host, knows how to put everyone at ease from the very 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 crackling fire greets us in the morning at breakfast—a truly 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, just waiting to be emptied (watch your waistline!)... Our small group of hikers, exploring wild regions—one day in Lozere, another in Ardeche, 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 boarding house (modern 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 went perfectly smoothly, in a calm and convivial atmosphere. Even the staunchest feminists 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 Villaceque, Nîmes, France.
"There are places that are 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 taking naps in the fields of Lozere! 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 full 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. We wanted to write these few lines to share our feelings after leaving. As many have attested on the website, we appreciated the warm welcome from our host, but also the serenity and friendliness that emerge each evening when everyone, whether familiar or not, gathers after a 25 km walk, a car trip through the Causses, or a train ride 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 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 feel right at 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. Seeing you in action would inspire anyone to get moving in their own lives. Secondly, you told us that your goal as a 'foreigner' in this region was to earn the respect of 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 that guides you, which has allowed you to thrive in a region that hasn’t always been open to your activities and personality. Hats off and our deepest respect. Thank you for an energizing stay in every way." — 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 a place to stay in the French countryside. The quick response from L'Etoile and the telephone call with Philippe assured me we had found the right place! Our stay at L'Etoile then exceeded all 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.