Hôtel Les Bellugues, Saint Jean-du-Gard — 07 Aug 2011

Sometimes things fall just right.

We are back from our short trip in the Cévennes relaxed and rested thanks in part to the warm welcome we received from Pascal and Yves who run the charming Hí´tel Les Bellugues in Saint Jean-du-Gard.

The hotel exists for a number of years now, and is well known in the hikers circles as a compulsory stop in that region. Pascal and Yves were leading busy lives in Paris, and longed for a change of life when they discovered the hotel was up for sale. After thinking it over, they took the jump and finalised the deal at the beginning of the summer. We were among their first clients.

The Hí´tel «Les Bellugues» is an old filature situated in the center of Saint Jean-du-Gard, a elongated building hosting around 16 rooms in a quite surrounding with a lovely garden featuring a swimming pool.

We chose to stay there for several reasons, one of which was the short length of our stay and the other the close proximity to one of our favourite river bathing spots of the area: the Gardon near the Pont des Abarines, sometimes known as le Mialet du Gardon.

The river runs through a gorge flaked with large granite blocks of all shapes and sizes, carved over time with the running water. The perfect spot to picnic, relax and unplug.

Even though at first the weather conditions weren't stellar, we had a very pleasant stay, despite the unpredictable rain downfalls and the low temperatures for the season. «Du jamais vu» according to the locals.

Pascal is a caring host, never short of a story to tell or a tip to give, always on the lookout to help you out with up-to-date information on what is going on when and where. Yves is more reserved but runs the place in the background. Never far, he is never more than a step away should you require something or if anything goes wrong.

If you ever happen to need accomodation in the region, or wish to discover the Cévennes from a central location, checkout the Hí´tel «Les Bellugues», you won't be disappointed.

Pictures of our previous visits are available on Flickr: 2006 | 2008 | 2011