From rando to bistrot !

4 Bistrots, 4 Villages, 4 Hikes

Take a nature activity like hiking, combine it with a friendly moment in a Bistrot de Pays® to savor a meal prepared with local products, and you get ” From Rando to Bistrot,” just a few steps away!

Bistrot de Pays®, more than just a restaurant!

Actually we have 4 Country Inns were established in the Cévennes in Ardèche region. They are the heart and soul of these small villages, and you can find them in Payzac, Planzolles, and Ribes. These Country Inns are a combination of a bar, grocery store, restaurant, and a social hub, often being the last commercial establishments in these rural villages.

The Bistrot de Pays® label was created in 1993 to support independent innkeepers who are dedicated to offering seasonal, homemade cuisine that showcases local products. Depending on the chef’s inspiration, you can savor local dishes like “crique ardéchoise,” porcini mushrooms, “caillette”, Picodon AOP cheese, or chestnut fondant.

Villages with subtle charm

One of the criteria for becoming a Bistrot de Pays® is to establish itself in a small village. This suits us well because Payzac, Planzolles, Malbosc and Ribes deserve to be explored. Their charm undoubtedly lies in the simplicity and authenticity of these places. Stone villages surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and chestnut trees, they exude the essence of the South.

Hiking: the connection between people and villages

Starting from each village, we offer easy to moderate hikes to whet your appetite. These selected hikes are accessible to a wide audience and allow you to connect with the beauty of the landscapes, the diversity of agricultural products, and the intensity of flavors. It’s a dive into ancient traditions and local heritage as you walk along paths that traverse bridges, walls, terraces, and even mills. Each trail has its own share of curiosities.

Hikes starting from each Bistrot de Pays® in the Cévennes of Ardèche

For added convenience, french hiking guides are available for purchase at each Bistrot de Pays®.

In Planzolles (7 km from Joyeuse)

Bistrot de Pays® l’Auberge de Planzolles

Hike to Marceau Mill : Medium difficulty, 6.6 km, 219 m elevation gain, 3 hours of walking

Stop along the way to admire the old Marceau Mill.

Don’t leave without visiting the Goat and Picodon Museum, Terra Cabra. Here, you’ll learn all about the production of delicious Picodons AOP and can make some delightful purchases. You should also make a stop at La FRAP artisanal distillery, which produces organic spirits such as Gin, Pastis, and the Green Goat! Consume in moderation, of course.

In Ribes (7 km from Joyeuse)

Bistrot de Pays® La Cueille

Flaüts Path Hike : Medium difficulty, 6.6 km, 296 m elevation gain, 2.5 hours of walking

Take a break halfway to visit the Serre goat farm and savor the famous Picodons AOP from Ardèche.

In Payzac (10 km from Joyeuse)

Bistrot de Pays® Le comptoir de Payzac

Triassic Sandstone Hike : Easy level, 5.9 km, 156 m elevation gain, 2 hours of walking

An opportunity to discover the incredible private collection consisting of nearly 500 dinosaur footprints from the Triassic period (220 to 230 million years) by Mr. Grancier.

In Malbosc (32 km from Joyeuse)

Bistrot de Pays® Le Bistrot de Malbosc

Stone paths & chestnut groves : Médium level, 5,9 km, 223 m elevation gain, 3 hours of walking

A dive into the heart of multi-century chestnut groves and the Cévennes heritage. Explore the shale structures: terraces, stairs, ford, fountain.