Guestbook of L'Etoile Guesthouse
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Guestbook of L'Etoile Guesthouse |
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Hello Philippe, For our first stay in Lozère, your guesthouse was perfect for electric biking. We tested the proposed house circuits: between 60 and 85 km without any issues while being able to recharge our bikes every evening. Your welcome, your good humor, your chestnut kirs and those shared meals in the evening will leave us with very good memories that call for a return visit. Best regards. Andreys Stéphane and Véronique
L'Etoile, Guesthouse, created and run by Philippe Papadimitriou, is a rare place that can only please hikers in search of uniqueness, well-being, and human warmth. I came for the first time by chance while returning from a crossing of Lozère ten years ago, and I return every year out of pleasure and almost by tradition even if I have to make a detour. The place is not inaccessible; the train station of La Bastide Saint-Laurent-les-Bains serves all stops up to Nîmes or Clermont-Ferrand. Coming down to L'Etoile is to find an ambiance worthy of the famous tale of Stevenson’s journey with a donkey. The dining room, by the fire, in a large bright room is cheerful, very well stocked, and varied. The ice is quickly broken, thanks to the lively humor of "Philippe", host and cook. Generations mingle; we talk, we laugh, we recreate the world! The cooking reflects the strong, generous, and straightforward personality of the owner! You eat good fresh products. The management of the place is healthy: every euro earned is reinvested into improving the rooms and common areas. Thus, in just a few years, Philippe Papadimitriou, originally from Belgium, has managed to rehabilitate a beautiful building from the 1920s (1926), a heritage of this Cévennes commune. The sober, coherent decoration elegantly declines in black and white. The floors are in beautiful light wood. The bedding is impeccable. The spaces are vast and clean. You can choose a room with or without a bathroom; impeccable showers are then available on the upper floor. The beautifully arranged garden overlooks the Allier, which refreshes it. A fully equipped chalet is under construction, ideal for a family or a couple of lovers! Lovers of authenticity, don’t miss this experience! Bernard Patary
.. for a long time, I wanted to add the Cévennes to my list of hiking achievements! After consulting maps and taking advantage of the almost total "deconfinement" in mid-June, I took the train to Nîmes ... and from there, a TER Occitanie (heading to Clermont Ferrand) took me to La Bastide Puylaurent through fabulous landscapes where the yellow flowering gorse dominated in this mountain whose highest point was Mont Lozère, grazed by the sun that late afternoon ... From Alès, we gradually climbed up to 1000 meters altitude ... Saint Cécile d' Andorge, Chamborigaud, Génolhac, Villefort ... places that the writer Jean Pierre Chabrol has mentioned in all his novels and tales ... I step out of the station and almost immediately notice this big white vessel on the road to Mende ... L'Etoile guesthouse! I hadn't booked accommodation in advance in this village ... ding ding at the veranda door ... a tall, lanky man greets me with a smile ... and offers me a room with a view of the park and private facilities ... spacious and very comfortable room ... quickly a shower before going back down because the master of the house had told me that dinner was served at 7:30 pm in the large dining room ... and I even had time to enjoy a Belgian beer on the terrace overlooking the park with the Allier flowing below (the Allier has its source a few kilometers away) ... a hearty dinner in the company of a few hikers and a couple who are staying a few days at L'Etoile ... nice exchanges about our respective itineraries ... and Philippe, the master of the house, came to join us at the table after serving us, delighting us with anecdotes ... a herbal tea and quickly my bed for a restorative night after a long train journey ... a very comfortable bed with sheets and a duvet! And I get up around 7:30 for a great breakfast served buffet style near a small fire in the large fireplace ... And after saying goodbye to the few hikers who remained at the table, I settled my bill with Philippe in his large office before heading towards Chasseradès via the Stevenson trail ... I keep a great memory of this unexpected stop at L'Etoile that Philippe knows how to manage so well! And I know I'll be back! Lalanne Christian
L'Etoile is a superb old building full of charm and authenticity where one quickly feels at home. The owner welcomes his guests with warmth and humanity. The rooms are spacious and simple with all the necessary amenities for hikers and other visitors. Dinner brings guests together with the pleasant presence of the humorous owner to enliven the meal with fascinating anecdotes. The dishes are well-prepared, healthy, and well-balanced, as are the picnic baskets. The excellent bread is homemade. This must-see place is a true asset for the town of La Bastide Puylaurent. Patrick Berger
Highly recommended! Anyone on the Stevenson Trail should not miss this experience! The house and its host are exceptional, and the night is truly worth it. The house with its garden is beautiful and offers plenty of space. Philippe is a wonderful host. The evening at the long table with all the hikers and guests, along with the good food that Philippe prepares, the warm fire, and the good conversations accompanied by improvised piano music will remain etched in our memories for a long time. Thank you very much!
L'Étoile, a charming place. We wanted to relax, and thanks to a friend, we discovered a charming and warm place where we spent a wonderful week. We were in the middle of nature and returned to our country enchanted. First, a large building stands among the trees and flowers near the river, and when entering through the large veranda equipped with small tables and wicker chairs, you plunge back into the world of the 1930s. The photos displayed on the walls allow us to see the ladies and gentlemen who came to stay to enjoy the spa of Saint Laurent-les-Bains and the fresh air. Philippe, the master of the place, continuously beautifies this location, and we appreciated his colorful personality. The interior of the house is very well cared for, the bright white on the walls. A large staircase leads to the spacious, simple, white, and welcoming rooms. We stayed for a week, and every evening we had the pleasure of seeing hikers gather around the table, coming from all over Europe as well as Australia and Canada, which made for an enriching evening. Philippe would then arrive with his impressive soup pot, and we enjoyed the starter, the main course, cheese, and dessert. Finally, the coffee and verbena herbal tea signaled the time to dive into beds with crisp white sheets, either in individual twin rooms or in a dormitory. Some stayed to chat by the fire. A piano and a guitar are available for guests. Our stay was a bit special since we are not big hikers, but we managed to explore the region at our own pace, and Philippe went above and beyond to show us exceptional places, which we greatly appreciated and thank him for. Thank you, Philippe, for your warm welcome and hospitality. We were happy to return in the evening; we felt good in this large house, and we cherished the small terrace overlooking the garden where we saw Philippe busily preparing the evening meal. We will gladly return, and it's a place we highly recommend. Colette and Jean Paul
L'Étoile is not a luxury hotel but a lovely accommodation for hikers and guests who want to explore the surroundings. We were there for the fifth time and felt very comfortable again: the warm welcome from the owner, who is always helpful and kind, friendly interactions with other guests, a hearty dinner made up of five courses, and the beautiful and wild Cévennes landscape. This time, we were accommodated in the small garden house (La Cabane) with a winter garden and kitchen. It was very comfortable and relaxing. We brought our bikes with us. The proximity of the train station at the junction of the Nîmes - Clermont-Ferrand and La Bastide - Mende - Marvejols lines allowed us to undertake some of our activities by train. One can only hope that the lines will exist for a long time to come.
This is my second stay in this guesthouse, aptly named. Philippe, the owner, is a warm and humorous man. His homemade cuisine is generous, just like him. Dinner is taken together, and exchanges between hikers (from several countries) are rarely superficial, as everyone quickly feels in good company and at home among friends, opening up to conversation. The rooms are bright and spacious. The building has been fully preserved in its 1920s style. Surrounded by trees, it is just steps away from the village where you can find some shops (but no bank!) and is located at the crossroads of many hiking trails. You can reach it by train via a very picturesque small line that leads to Nîmes.
Hello Philippe. Coming from Puy-en-Velay in September, I stopped by your place. I keep a very good memory of the welcome at your guesthouse on Thursday, September 7, with a good beer from your region. There were many of us at a well-stocked table with good products from your area. A good atmosphere maintained thanks to you, Philippe. I borrowed your guitar and played a few chords by the fire. A good restorative night in a comfortable lodge, and the next morning, with a hearty and energizing breakfast, I set off for Villefort, to the lodge "Les Sedaries"; My journey in September took me, via Alès and Nîmes, to Saint Gilles du Gard, and then to Montpellier to see my nephew, from where I returned to Brest in Brittany by plane. In 2018, I will return to continue the path towards the Pyrenees. I wish you, Philippe, a good and happy new year. I will not fail to mention your address to hiking friends passing through your area. In November, I gave a presentation on this 300 km route to our Association of Breton Pilgrims to Compostela (1500 members), citing the best lodges, including yours. Best regards, Jean-Yves from Landerneau in Brittany (Finistère).
Back in our Berry region, we received the photos sent by Renée! Great stay in this magnificent house where Philippe has put his heart and soul! Thank you again for the meals, the good bread, the warm fire after a good day of hiking and in the early morning! Thank you again for the laughter, the exchanges, the encounters! Philippe, don’t change a thing, and more will come to savor the place and the atmosphere you have created - Thanks to Françoise and her "little hand" smile, but I think she has a big heart! Come on! It’s just a goodbye, and safe travels! (If our Belgian hikers are still there, send them our regards from the three of us; we thought of them while returning under the pouring rain; we keep a very pleasant memory of them. Nanou
To Philippe, L'Etoile or rather the starred one. Almost two months later and after another two-week stay in another mountainous and magnificent region of France, we return to the week we spent at your place at L'Etoile in La Bastide Puylaurent. We came to hike and explore a region we did not know. At the crossroads of the Cévennes, Auvergne, and Ardèche, the countryside is truly superb and accessible. The accommodation could have been secondary, but in fact, we discovered this special atmosphere. What a welcome! The place, really very special, a house to fall in love with, that is what happened. Welcoming, spacious, and well-appointed, what a fairy tale! And then there is Philippe, both very welcoming and very professional, smiling, serious, and full of humor. He knows how to go from hiking advice to cooking and playing the piano (too little) but also to being a baker, and that is not the least of his qualities. There is also the garden, the veranda, and the plants that are lovingly and stubbornly nurtured. We think of the bougainvillea that decided to bloom. And then there are the soups, as well as many local dishes - we mean those from Europe and elsewhere - and all those fresh vegetables. It is therefore a true wonder to stay at your place. It is L'Etoile, all of this, with brilliance, style, and know-how by a Philippe who seems to be among the stars but is well grounded and concrete while keeping his head in the stars. Best regards, Claudette and Michel Reunion and Flanders combined
Dear Philippe, allow me to thank you once again for your hospitality. I will always cherish the wonderful memories of the warm welcome you gave me, the dinners and conversations around your large dining table, the warmth of the fire behind me, the peace within and around your house, and the impressive landscapes of the Cévennes. After climbing the summit of Mont Lozère, hiking loops around Pont-de-Montvert and the Tarn Gorge, car trips along the ridges and other mountain roads - what incredible scenery and panoramic views! - I returned home to Bonn well-rested. Without a doubt, I will recommend your house to all my friends who speak French and love nature. Big hugs and best wishes Ursula
For several years, we had intended to do a week of hiking as singles, since our wives did not wish to join us on this adventure. While searching on the Internet, I found L'Etoile's website very well documented and matching our needs, with the possibility of doing loop hikes from a fixed accommodation; the reservation was made for June. From the moment we arrived, the master of the house Philippe made us feel at ease by giving us a tour of the property: room, dining area, and the fridge corner with drinks available (some good Belgian beers to taste under the arbor). We felt good right from the start. Philippe provided us with numerous guidebooks, as well as IGN maps of the region. We had a pleasant stay with beautiful hikes in this magnificent region, especially in June with the flowering gorse and pastures, as well as the wildlife we encountered on the trails (wild boars, foxes, deer, hares, etc.). And what to say about the delicious breakfasts with homemade jams and bread, as well as hearty dinners around the dining table with a good fire in the fireplace (the nights are cool in the mountains) accompanied by many exchanges with other hikers. We will keep a very good memory of this first hiking experience, and we think that in the near future we will hike the Stevenson Trail with a stop at L'Etoile, of course. Thank you again for your warm welcome and the good times spent with you, Philippe, with a thought for Françoise and her joy of living, what a beautiful example. Best regards, Alain Dupont and Jean-Claude Giret
Philippe, I greatly appreciated my recent stay with you earlier this month. Thank you again for these two delightful days at L'Étoile, and I hope to have the opportunity to visit you again someday in the future. Please also convey my gratitude to your young Chinese assistant for his help and efficiency. Please pass on my email address to him and tell him to contact me if he ever decides to visit Scotland. See you soon Frank Harkness Selkirk Scotland
My visit to L'Etoile makes me want to share my feelings, so here I go. Arriving at L'Etoile is like going to a friend's house. We were made comfortable right away. A warm welcome, as if I already knew this place. For me, the first "Belgian welcome" in the Cévennes is a beautiful welcome. A little mischievous, teasing, attentive to everyone, respectful, overflowing with energy but gentle. Philippe allows everyone to connect with the guests of this place, creating bonds. It feels good. A warm moment experienced during my summer wanderings that brings joy to the heart and gives all its meaning to the word welcome. I am happy to have stopped here, and I hope there will be more. Thank you, Philippe, and good continuation. (Positive thoughts are indeed one of the 7 pillars of well-being? For those who receive them as well as for those who give them? So to your kind heart!). And to another coffee... chartreuse... and a warm welcome in dauphiné. Françoise Monin
A spacious house so well equipped, white and with all the comfort. My daughter stopped at this beautiful guesthouse last year while doing the Regordane Trail. She told me that I would feel good there. I am 83 years old, and I am enchanted by this unique atmosphere that reigns here. Hikers arrive with their big shoes and backpacks. They are fascinating, simple, and happy with their walks. I am nourished by their efforts, and I listen to their stories with delight. The highlight is the evening meal; we savor a hearty and delicious dinner. The soup is very popular. They will sleep in their perfectly equipped white rooms. They will leave in the morning after having enjoyed a varied and plentiful breakfast. Françoise Durand
Dear Philippe, now that winter is approaching and the nights are falling early, it is time to add a few lines in your Guestbook and thank you once again for those exceptional days that will remain etched in our memories! In lives like ours, there is a constant change between moments of travel and moments of rest and reflection. Your place - unlike most others along the road - offered both at the same time: a shelter during the journey and a home while traveling. We crossed L'Étoile three times during our journeys through the Cévennes; and I bet that the celebrated author Robert Louis Stevenson would have written a totally different work if he had had the chance, in his time, to rest his tired feet by your fireplace just once. He did not, alas, and thus Modestine had no idea of the comfort that comes from navigating the port of your courtyard - which also served as a refuge for our modern iron donkey for many days... ;-) L'Étoile, L'Étoile: under the dark skies of the Cévennes, there is this shining star to remember! With Philippe, the ever-present benevolent soul of the house, being a guest at L'Étoile has been pure joy for us, an endless pleasure, and a tacit honor. Even more: for us, it remains an undisclosed miracle to see how you manage to give each of your guests the feeling of being welcome, as if they were the awaited person. Obviously, among the many gifts spread in humanity, the gift of receiving people has been generously bestowed upon Philippe l'Étoile. Whatever the source of your patience, energy, and infinite hospitality, may that source of warm atmosphere endure! And may Philippe remain the heart of this unique universe in the mountains of southern France! And, hopefully, we will have the chance to cross your lovely place again someday! This is not only to testify to how an ordinary village in the mountains can produce extraordinary impressions - but also to strongly advise anyone considering a trip to the Cévennes not to miss Philippe and his L'Étoile. - With my greetings from a dark and cold stormy autumn night in Germany. Rosemarie and Bernd
L'Etoile, it is a hotel. No! It is a guesthouse... Not that either! It is... it is... a place of particular charm, a large house, a "secret" stop deep in the Cévennes. L'Etoile is an experience of simplicity and fluidity, as the master of the place, Philippe, wanted, who, at 1.94m tall, already has his head in the stars and his feet firmly on the ground. When I asked him to tell me about L'Etoile, he replied: "I cannot talk about L'Etoile because I LIVE L'Etoile." L'Etoile is the family home that opens its doors to welcome us in summer, becoming a place of meeting, reunion, and rejuvenation. There is nothing sophisticated about L'Etoile, and what makes its charm are these "little things" that are all simple. Like at home, when, after a long walk full of discoveries, you enter the kitchen, open the fridge, and take a beer. In the late afternoon, the fire burning in the fireplace; the piano patiently waiting for someone to come and play with it; the smell of bread baking and, of course, the large tables where people meet, talk about their adventures and discoveries, where they exchange stories, serene and relaxed. Also, when Philippe offered me to take photos of our bed linen creations at his place at L'Etoile, I gladly accepted. The volume of the rooms, their simplicity, and the summer light allowed us to take very natural photos. I thank him for that and wish L'Etoile to continue to enlighten all those who come to meet it. Françoise Roux-Tarrieu
This former holiday hotel transformed into a guesthouse is a perfect conversion. Modernity and comfort have not erased the past. This gives the establishment its picturesque setting and majestic character. For a hiker looking for a lodge, this is quite unexpected. One quickly appreciates it. Philippe, the "Master of the House," knows how to make everyone feel comfortable right away. His spontaneity contributes to creating a friendly atmosphere. The clientele is diverse, but whether alone or in a group, this home is a place of listening and exchange where everyone finds their place. The table is family-style and generous, and discussions flow freely. They continue in the evening with a cup of verbena in hand in front of a glowing fireplace. The same fire greets you in the morning at breakfast. This moment is magical. The smells of the wood fire, coffee, and grilled "homemade" bread fill our nostrils. On the counter, a display of colorful jam jars taunts us, filled to the brim, waiting to be emptied (watch out for the diet)... Our small group of hikers discovering wild regions, one day drawn by Lozère and another by Ardèche, even went to tease the Allier at its source; yes, it doesn’t attract crowds, but tired from a beautiful walk under the exhausting early September sun, we knew that by evening we could regain our strength for the next day at the lodge of L'Etoile. Each person feels what they want from this atypical place, but for me, the welcome from the owner, the space, a wood fire morning and evening, the feeling of being comfortable like at home creates a familial, friendly, attentive, and cozy spirit reminiscent of a family guesthouse (new style). Bravo Philippe for the success of your business and thank you for making us happy. Christian
Four Nantais on a hike in the Cévennes cross the path leading to L'Etoile in La Bastide-Puylaurent. Their stay in this guesthouse will be part of their fond vacation memories. In this charming hotel, from the grand era of thermal resorts, they appreciate Philippe's hospitality... upon returning from a walk, thirsty, what a joy to toast with a good Belgian beer or hot tea. After long treks in the solitude of endless landscapes, they share their discoveries under the sunny veranda. At dinner time, they share a hearty meal around a large table with other hikers near the fireplace and its crackling logs. In the improvised evening, sipping their herbal teas or coffees, they let themselves be rocked by the melodies played by Philippe on the piano. After a restorative sleep, in the calm of a night of tired and happy hikers, they find themselves face to face with Philippe already in the kitchen preparing breakfast when he’s not kneading dough. With homemade sandwiches in their bags, clothes nicely dried after a night in the boiler room, they set off again to conquer the ridges of Lozère, already dreaming of the fragrance of well-baked bread upon their return to the "Philippe Stevenson Palace"!!! Brigitte, Marie-Paule, Claude, and Paul Corbineau
My second stay at L'Etoile was once again very restful. I spent a very pleasant week thanks to the welcoming and open, almost familial atmosphere.
During the hikes, I recharged myself in a very varied landscape with many rare plants and a great variety of butterflies. The good description of the hikes and the well-marked trails were very helpful to me. With the excellent sandwiches made with homemade bread by Philippe, the hikers are very well equipped for the day.
What a pleasure to return home after a day of walking when the smell of a loaf of bread fresh from the oven fills the dining room, and the very tasty and hearty meals prepared by Philippe await the hikers at the dining table! Like many others, I enjoyed the songs and laughter while we dried the glasses together. After the pleasant conversations during the meal, we appreciated listening to the piano or guitar played by Philippe or others while sipping a good herbal tea. Thank you, Philippe! Uta
At the inn L'Étoile, there is a very pleasant and welcoming atmosphere that is felt as soon as you enter the hotel. Philippe, the master of the house, serves a hearty menu in the evening consisting of several dishes. Friendly conversations arise when table mates pass around large platters of food. The relaxed atmosphere at the table and Philippe’s special way quickly create a pleasant conviviality and exchange experiences about different hiking routes and nationalities. No one remains alone at their table. Everyone takes advantage of their foreign language skills, as there are many opportunities to communicate with hikers from other countries. Everyone enjoys the freshly baked homemade bread by Philippe, accompanied by a generous platter of local cheeses (regional delights!) and a good local wine served in a carafe. It takes some training at French tables to still have room after such a hearty meal to enjoy Philippe's delicious desserts! After that, a little time standing up feels good, and everyone is happy to quickly wipe some glasses in good spirits, amidst the laughter of the team. For good digestion, herbal tea is also served. Often, we enjoy it near the fireplace while listening to piano or guitar music. For the next hike, the delicious sandwiches made with homemade bread, which can be ordered at breakfast, are highly recommended. The hotel offers precise descriptions of one-day hiking routes of varying lengths, available in several languages. The hiking trails are very well marked. In addition to the pristine and constantly changing landscape, there are rare plants and many species of butterflies to discover. The breathtaking views and silence on the plateaus greatly contribute to a restful stay.
After several stages on the Stevenson Trail, we landed a few years ago at La Bastide-Puylaurent with Philippe at L'Étoile. We immediately felt at home. We have already been there 5 times and will undoubtedly return. The hiking trails around La Bastide meet all requirements. Our favorite is the Regordane, from L'Étoile to Villefort/Gare, in a landscape of exceptional beauty with a Mediterranean ambiance. We appreciate the calm, simplicity, generosity, serenity, warm hospitality, and good cuisine, including homemade bread. Everything is perfect. It's a real pleasure to meet guests from all over the world, to exchange hiking routes, recipes, and even life philosophies. The superfluous things have no place here. It’s a fantastic feeling. Until next time, we send you our warmest greetings. Waltraut and Rolf Menne
Thank you again, Philippe, for the welcome, the good food, the good mood, the piano improvisations, the guitar, and many other things... This little stay in La Bastide was a pure moment of happiness for us... We felt "at home." I do not regret my choice of lodge; L'Etoile spoke to me... it resonated well through photos, testimonies, and you are in the middle of a superb region rich in beautiful paths... and yet I already have my experience of the Camino de Santiago, but here it was something else, just as strong and nice... My friends returned "enchanted" and ask me when we are going back? But we also need to live a quieter life as retirees... The return was good, through the beautiful roads of Ardèche. Tonight I am resuming choir with Annie in Megève, and we will start or rather finish with a Lozère Kir; with local sausages, good mood always, and singing is the most important... Have a good summer, Philippe, good business, and beautiful encounters, with good help from your guests... Friendly regards to you. Jocelyne, the leader of the 4 Mamys from Combloux... Jocelyne
Hello our host, here is the impression that prevailed in our small group, which already has experience with guesthouse hospitality; we have never felt as much at home as we did at L'Etoile. Never did we feel out of place anywhere, whether in the kitchen or the office; a sense of freedom, therefore. It is also pleasant, upon returning from a hike, to be able to serve oneself a tea or an infusion (not in bags but with a good local product), the good products that we find in the kitchen, not to mention the inventiveness in this area. Bravo for having managed to keep space everywhere, the aesthetics of the early century with evident functionality... have a good end of the season! Andrée Bensoussan
A Belgian Greek or perhaps a Greek Belgian, a young and pretty Chinese woman, Trappist beers, a piano, an old family pension hotel from the days when colonials came to refresh themselves in the mountains of Lozère, homemade bread every day, sturdy hikers emerging from nowhere and departing with determination and enthusiasm; this is the ordinary inventory one can expect when coming to "L'Etoile." With, in addition, the "homemade" soup, hearty sandwiches "for the road," and the warm and attentive presence of Philippe, who makes this indefinable and unique place a must-visit for all those who are resistant to usual formulas. Walkers, travelers, dreamers from everywhere, welcome to the L'Etoile lodge! Marguerite Aflallo
Hello Philippe, we remember with great happiness our too-short visit to L'Etoile, and we want to thank you for your hospitality and the beautiful place you have created. Perhaps we will have the chance to return to La Bastide-Puylaurent, but in the meantime, we wish you the best and invite you to visit us if you come to Southern California - we have plenty of room for visitors, so feel free to write or call us if you travel to the United States. Judy & Don Nollar
A week-long stay. It was a risky bet for someone who loves to walk but does not "hike." Strike of the TER trains, which are so pleasant when their drivers are willing to make them go, along the rushing waters, from La Bastide-Puylaurent to Langogne, or to Mende, or in another of those small towns in the region, with their churches, old bridges, and good pastries - yes, that matters! - A weather forecast that was at least not encouraging, etc... And yet, it was an amazing stay. You feel at home in this large house, a bit like in a family home where you move around comfortably after a day or two, from the large dining room with guest tables to the kitchen with its large pass-through, its old-fashioned staircase, its simple but comfortable rooms, no false luxury, absolutely nothing unpleasant to the eye, the Allier flowing right there, beautiful trees, thick grass, large rounds of wood, coffee and tea generously offered by Philippe, the astonishing maestro of all this, to the arriving hiker in the afternoon, the plentiful breakfasts and meals, yes, this is a good house. My congratulations, Philippe, and thank you for all your attentions. Yvette
On the Stevenson Trail by mountain bike from Langogne to Alès in 4 days, we spent two nights at L'Etoile. As a group of eleven, we chose the dormitory and appreciated the offered space and the good wooden beds (homemade). The mountain bikers, before and after the effort, eat well, and we really enjoyed Philippe's hearty dishes. But most importantly, it is his kindness, always listening to us and ready to help. We also appreciated being able to leave our two cars and the trailer for 4 days, as well as being able to wash our mountain bikes before leaving. We have very good memories of this Stevenson path, particularly the stop at La Bastide-Puylaurent. Thank you, Philippe. Cyrille Schwander
There are places from which it's hard to leave... from where you carry with you the scents of warm bread, which you believe you can still smell some mornings... Places where you simply feel good. I just returned from the guesthouse L'Etoile, after a week of hiking, creativity, and... napping in the fields of Lozère! I just returned from the guesthouse L'Etoile, where every morning the sun pierces through the windows (even on rainy days!), where every evening well-being and good humor meet. It’s a magical place; a place of rest; of delicious meals; of conviviality. Thank you, Philippe, and also to all the wonderful people with whom I shared these few days. I look forward to words / a text / a page??? from the "captain of the boat" who can tell us about his guesthouse better than anyone... And if by chance during your stay, the weather is nice, and you feel like sleeping in "the little cabin" by the river, don’t hesitate; you will fall asleep to the sound of water... and wake up to that of the birds. After that, you are ready to face the world! I will surely return one day! Sandra Romont
Mr. Philippe and the intern Olga, please accept my sincere thanks for these wonderful holidays. My wife Frances and I stayed at L'Étoile for 5 days while hiking the Stevenson Trail. It was a very pleasant stay in excellent company, with a caring host and his charming assistant. Today, July 8, we went to Gravesend, Kent, UK, to attend the first stage of the Tour de France. It reminded us of all the brave cyclists who left from L'Étoile. We send our best wishes to Michelle and the walkers from Toulouse, as well as to the refined Dutch lady who played the piano with such professionalism, and also to Philippe for his interpretation of a wonderful Russian Orthodox hymn; in addition to his bread baking, his prepared dishes, and his advice on hiking and biking! We loved every minute of our stay.. Roger & Frances Phillips
It has now been at least 7 years since I first stayed at L'Étoile with you. I was then with my beloved: Piet. I have such fond memories of my stay. At that time, there were few guests, it was very quiet. Although it was the height of summer, it was surprisingly cool north of Mont Lozère. There was wind and rain. Piet and I did a long three-week hike on the Stevenson route, of course, starting from Puy-en-Velay. Once we arrived at your delightful little hotel, we stayed for two nights to recover from all the fatigue. I remember, like all those others, your warm welcome and your presence among us, which inspired me. At that moment, I thought: it is possible to do something unique, entirely in one's own way, like no one has ever done before. I often thought about writing to you to ask if I could come and cook or work with you. But I have my job here in the Netherlands, and it would not be the same. Still, it still concerns me. Could I do it? Leave here and do my own thing in France? It always seems idyllic when you look at this pioneer lifestyle from your deck chair. It seems so simple. But to maintain this lifestyle, one must have incredible endurance and be creative, have a lot of will to work, and be a nice person. One must have a solution for all difficulties. One must be entrepreneurial and commercial, but also absolutely unique. A year later, I organized and led a hiking week for a group of 12 Dutch students. You had room at that time, but due to budget constraints, the stay was not possible for the group. Therefore, we had to fall back on the abbey of Notre Dame Des Neiges. Coincidentally, I met you at that time when I was traveling with the group. You were shopping in one of those villages with your car. A nice reunion with a friend. I was very happy to see you there. What’s amusing is that I still cherish that encounter with you, and I haven't forgotten it. Later still, I stayed with Piet. The landscape of Gévaudan and Lozère has become invaluable to me. This summer, I was again at Mont Lozère and spent two nights with my tent at Finiels, at Lucille Pantel's small campsite. It is also a very special place, with a magnificent view and a lot of wind. I regret not visiting you at L'Étoile. I was traveling with Marie, who was not really enthusiastic about wild camping and the mountains. I really thought about you and decided to search online because I remembered that you were already intensively working on the internet in 98. Well, it turns out you haven't been inactive! There are many people to whom you have offered something special. You know, I didn’t come to La Bastide-Puylaurent because I had to make many sacrifices. I was at Finiels without a car, and Marie would have had to return alone. I felt that you might be traveling. That all these efforts would have been in vain. It's a shame that I let go of the freedom to do what came to mind. Do you know that I still have regrets about that every day? But I will surely return. We will return! Cécile
Dear Philippe, nothing is easier for me than a message in your guestbook. I felt at your place both as a guest and as a friend. The days spent at L'Étoile were magnificent; I rarely felt so good. Besides the splendid landscape, it is mainly the atmosphere of the house, the friendliness, and the interesting conversations with you and the other guests that made this stay unforgettable. You are right to highlight the "Stern"; if it were up to me, there could even be several. I hope to see you again. Michael Hattenbach
My teenage sons and I had three days before joining our adventure vacation in Ardèche, so I searched online for a place to stay in the French countryside. The quick response from L'Étoile and the phone call with Philippe assured me that we had found the right place! Our stay at L'Étoile exceeded our expectations. The boys (and I) loved the healthy homemade cuisine, served in generous portions for hungry hikers and cyclists. During the evening meals, we practiced our French by conversing with other guests, who were also practicing their English with us. We wholeheartedly support the comments of others regarding the special atmosphere of L'Étoile - the perfect remedy against commercialized and soulless "holiday accommodations." Philippe has created an environment based on trust and respect where one can once again appreciate humanity - located in an idyllic region of natural beauty. Brian, Damien, and Aaron
Hello everyone. We stayed 4 days during the second half of August, and L'Etoile was for us a starting point for several very pleasant hikes. These few lines are to express our feelings once we left. Actually, as many testify on the site, we appreciated the welcome from the "master of the house" but also the serenity and conviviality that emerge every evening when everyone, known or unknown, gathers after a day of either 25 km in the legs, a drive through the causses, or a round trip by train to Langogne, etc. Of course, each person is a little responsible for this, but Philippe knows how to create conditions for dialogue where music and even singing take place after a convivial meal. We want to share two aspects that we perceived from this "one-man act & show"; Philippe is a true entrepreneur, in the economic sense of the term, who also possesses in himself this gift of empathy for his "clients" who, in a snap of fingers, become like the inhabitants of "his" home, thanks to his very direct contact, his apparent and communicative joy of living, and also, did you not feel this impression, by the ease and serenity with which he manages this lodge regardless of the number of diners. Of course, we go there for our holidays, but frankly, Philippe, you impress with your capacity for work, the efficiency you demonstrate in all activities related to the smooth running of "your business"; some should see you at work to realize that they cannot do anything but move in their own lives. Secondly, you told us that your goal as a "foreigner" in this region was to earn respect (and not necessarily to integrate) from the locals, merchants, administrations, etc. We believe that you not only prove that you have achieved this but also that integration is not necessarily what must be sought; many could benefit from this wisdom that you have decided as a guideline, allowing you to endure in this region that is not necessarily won over to your activity and personality. "Hats off and Respect." Thank you for this energizing stay on all levels. Michel and Christine Froissard
A few years ago, a film came out in Germany, which I unfortunately did not see in theaters. It’s a festival of fantastic films where works by renowned as well as unknown filmmakers are presented. A good friend recommended this film to me, as it matched my sensitivity perfectly. I decided to watch it on DVD. And I was impressed. Years later, I bought the DVD myself and ended up knowing every line by heart. Not to mention the film's soundtrack. Fascinated by France and this era, I began to search for everything I could find about the Gévaudan region online. I wanted to explore this country and form my own opinion. At one point, I stumbled upon Philippe Papadimitriou's website while looking for accommodations in the area. His site immediately fascinated me. Nevertheless, I consulted several other sites, but I found none as well-designed as Philippe's. I am someone who acts on impulse, and I sent a reservation at the beginning of the year. I received an immediate response. I got a travel guide specifically about Southern France, and it was time for this to happen. I was very excited when I left that weekend. I ended up not sleeping well. Always the same… On Monday evening, I was there. I couldn’t believe what I saw when entering my room. Exactly like in the photo on his website. He told me that he strives to make everything realistic. I was also impressed by his culinary talent. I don’t eat soup because I don’t like it. I tried it. And it was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the herb soup, prepared with fresh herbs. The other dishes, like beautifully decorated salads prepared by him and tasty hot dishes, always incorporate his native Belgium. And to finish, an ice cream with original Belgian waffles. With great attention to detail, he takes care of his guests. A very appealing and caring man who has found his vocation. In this house, there is a wonderful atmosphere, which is complemented in the evening, just before the meal, by his piano playing. For some selected guests, he even brings out the guitar. I never felt disadvantaged because I don’t master the French language very well. That way, I communicated in English. When I couldn’t participate in the conversation, I listened and enjoyed the sound of the language. I felt at home with Philippe, and I had found my place of rest. The surroundings are beautiful, and I quickly realized that the distances between the different villages are very large, which doesn’t come across in the film. I don’t like goodbyes. This was not a goodbye in that sense. We are only 1200 km apart. I told Philippe that I would return if possible. He told me that I would always be welcome in his "family." For me, it wasn’t the last time. Karin Buczylowski
Hi Philippe, this is Michel, from "Les Chemins du Vent"; I was at the L'Etoile Lodge in early June with Christian, Céline, Marie Geneviève, and Christine. Please accept my apologies for taking so long to write to you, but you know how retired people can be overwhelmed; I was in the Alpes de Haute-Provence at the end of June (we were almost neighbors). All this didn’t prevent me from thinking about that week in La Bastide-Puylaurent; I will keep an unforgettable memory of this stay, so much so that the wild beauty of the Lozère and Ardèche landscapes we hiked through disputed the atmosphere of the L'Etoile Lodge; food, human warmth, music... everything was there, complemented by the very good organization of "Les Chemins du Vent," who have never deserved their name so much, especially on windy days. I have shared our stay with friends; the world is small, and by chance during one of our getaways, why not meet again at L'Etoile to admire and appreciate this magnificent region again while hiking the "Stevenson" trail. Thanks again and see you very soon. Michel
A few years ago, I was looking for a quiet little spot to escape from my tourist-filled lower Ardèche. In love with Lozère, our neighbor, I called the Town Hall of La Bastide and a very kind lady recommended the "L'Etoile" lodge (aptly named), run by the charming Philippe. And that’s how, since then, every year in August, I find the welcome, the calm of La Bastide, and the kindness of Philippe. His excellent cuisine, his homemade bread. A good week at your place, Philippe, makes one forget the summer heat and hustle! In your house, your lodge, one feels good! Stay a long time in this Lozère, Philippe, which has so far retained some of its bygone soul. Madame Rosière
To take a step back from my professional life and to clearly separate this new chapter of my life from the one that preceded it, I embarked on a 2.5-month hiking trip in France. I started my journey in late July in Hendaye and reached Dijon in mid-October. Along the way, I arrived in September at La Bastide-Puylaurent (Lozère). Mr. Papadimitriou warmly welcomed me; I took a large room and felt good. In response to my question about his Greek name, he explained his Greek/Belgian/French family history and concluded laconically: "It's Europe." After dinner (half-board is highly recommended!), we sat near the fireplace, and there was lively conversation among guests of different nationalities. The next morning, Mr. Papadimitriou drove me with his van to the GR®7, my hiking trail. He climbed the track, laughing at my worried expression, and shouted amidst the noise: "French cars are good: cheap and easy to repair!" How he crossed paths with two cars coming from the opposite direction with mushroom pickers (it’s the season of porcini mushrooms) on that narrow road remains a mystery. Perhaps that was the reason: he took me before heading to the Notre Dame des Neiges monastery. The spirit of Brother Eusebius and that of the wine inspired us on our paths! And I hope that one day I can return to La Bastide-Puylaurent and see Mr. Papadimitriou again - it was pleasant. Frank Fischer.
Former holiday hotel with a garden along the Allier, L'Etoile Guest House is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent between Lozere, Ardeche, and the Cevennes in the mountains of Southern France. At the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Path, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane Way (St Gilles), GR®470 Allier River springs and gorges, GRP® Cevenol, Ardechoise Mountains, Margeride. Numerous loop trails for hiking and one-day biking excursions. Ideal for a relaxing and hiking getaway.
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