Location/Contact
If you can make it to the village of Nivoliers, you should find the hostel easily. From La Malène, take D43 up the switchback about 2 miles or so, turn left on D16 east about 8 miles to the aerodrome. Turn right on D63 and the village is about 2 miles south from here. From Florac, take D16 west up the switchback and to the aerodrome, then turn south. From Meyrueis, take D986 north up the switchback for about 6 miles. Then turn right on D63 and take it about 6 miles to the village. If you are traveling on foot or by bicycle, be aware that all routes to the hostel involve large amounts of climbing.
Amenities
This hostel has dormitory beds available, but actually functions more like an auberge (bed and breakfast). Who's complaining? The staff is very friendly, and the place itself is charming without being overdone. The dining room has wonderful stone work and ambience, but the real highlight of the experience is the menu… if you're not a vegetarian or vegan, that is! The appetizer course is such a wonderful array of sausages and other meats that you may not have much room for the main course! Also be aware that this may be your only option because there is neither a self-service kitchen at the hostel or a market nearby to purchase your own groceries. Bedrooms and bathrooms are very decent, and there is a clothesline behind the building to hang any laundry out to dry.
Atmosphere
This hostel is situated in a small village on a sparsely populated plateau, and as such has a very quiet atmosphere to it. It is very popular with hikers and bikers as well as those seeking to get a bit further away from the heavier tourist activity of the Tarn Gorge.
Attractions
This region is not short on attractions by any means. The Millau Viaduct, the prehistoric site at Aven Armand, and the formations of the Chaos de Montpelier provide a stunning variety of natural and man-made wonders. But by far the biggest attraction around is the Tarn Gorge itself and its villages like La Malène. The hostel is rather close to spectacular viewpoints on the south side like Montbrun, but is also within a day trip of others like Pointe Sublime. Being situated on the plateau above the gorge, the Causse Mejean, also puts it closer to the Jonte Gorge and attractions such as Mont Aigoual, the Grotte de Dargilan, and the hanging village of Cantrobre. The best kept scenic secret, however, is the plateau itself. Bring your hiking shoes and camera!
Price
Accommodations in the Tarn Gorge are not cheap, but the dormitory option for the solo traveler makes the Auberge du Chanet definitely a better deal than other surrounding locations.
Overall Value
Tarn Gorge is simply an area not to be missed when surveying the natural wonders of France, and this hostel can provide some of the more affordable accommodations for you to do it!
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
