A cool summer week

Arriving by train at La Bastide Saint-Laurent-les-Bains station, located just 300 meters from L’Étoile, I was greeted by the owner, who immediately made me feel at ease. The building, a majestic vacation home erected in 1926, stands proudly in the middle of a vast lush garden, bordered by the tranquil waters of the Allier. My room, spacious and comfortable, featured a minimalist decor that brought a welcome authenticity and serenity to my stay. The nights were cool and restful, even during heatwaves, thanks to the 1,000-meter altitude of La Bastide-Puylaurent.

The meals, wholesome and generous, were carefully prepared by Philippe, the owner. Dinner, served at the communal table in the large dining room open to the garden, was a moment of sharing and conviviality. To prepare for my loop hikes, I used the QR codes provided by L’Étoile to download GPX files onto my phone. I also enjoyed refreshing moments swimming in the Borne, a little paradise nestled below the village of Saint-Laurent-les-Bains.

Every morning, after a hearty breakfast and with my packed lunch in hand, I embarked on a new adventure. The loop trails invited me to discover them, winding through pine and chestnut forests, spreading out into verdant valleys and melodious streams. The air was filled with the scent of wildflowers and underbrush. From time to time, a distant village would appear on the horizon, promising an encounter or a legend to explore. Each hike turned into an epiphany, an intense moment of communion with nature and with my inner self. The summits revealed breathtaking panoramas, where the azure blue of the sky blended with the ochre of the rocks and the tender green of the foliage. I felt free, carried by the wind, enveloped by the silence. At the end of the day, I returned to L’Étoile, where a nice cold Belgian beer awaited me before the communal dinner served at 7:30 PM.

This stay at L'Étoile transcended a simple getaway. It represented a plunge into a world where time seemed to stand still, where each step sparked new curiosity, and each evening brought me back to the essentials. In Lozère, I had discovered a jewel: the simplicity of a life in perfect harmony with nature.

Finally, I would like to highlight the warm and welcoming atmosphere of L’Étoile Maison d’hôtes. The moments shared around the table, conversing with other guests and the owner, will remain etched in my memory. My stay at L’Étoile was an invaluable gift. I was able to escape the summer heat, enjoying a fresh, opulent, and peaceful setting.
by Jocelyne Dircks

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Here is a suggestion for some magnificent hikes:

Day 1: 15.5 km hike through the Allier Valley, Le Fraisse, Rogleton, the Serres Valley, and Notre Dame des Neiges Abbey.

Day 2: 16.3 km loop hike via Le Thort, La Croix de Grabio, Masméjean, and the Moure de la Gardille plateau.

Day 3: 19 km hike from Belvezet to La Bastide Puylaurent. Take the train to Belvezet (SNCF schedule). Follow the trail via Les Chazeaux, the Moure de la Gardille plateau, the sources of Chassezac and Allier, following the GR®7 and GR®70 Stevenson Trail.

Day 4: 21.5 km hike on the Ardèche side via Rogleton, the Summit of Espervelouze, the Coulet de Pécoyol, the Tower of Saint-Laurent-les-Bains, La Croix du Pal, Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Abbey, and Les Bories.

Day 5: 23.2 km hike from La Bastide-Puylaurent to Villefort via Le Col du Thort, Prévenchères, Albespeyres, the Gorges du Chassezac, and La Garde-Guérin, following the GR®72 and GR®700 Régordane Way. Return by train (SNCF schedule).

Day 6: 24 km hike from Langogne to La Bastide-Puylaurent. Take the train to Langogne (SNCF schedule). Follow the GR®700 Régordane Way via Les Fagoux, the Mercoire forest, Luc, Pranlac, Laveyrune, and Rogleton.