A "gîte d'étape" in Molières
Our gîte d’étape, “Les Découvertes”, on the Chemin d’Amadour (GR81) and on a variant of the Camino de Santiago, located midway between Saint-Avit-Sénieur and Cadouin, is the perfect place to rest. Make the most of your stay by exploring the history of the “Bastide of Molières”, participating in local life and enjoying the tranquillity of our little village.
Why a "gîte d'étape" in Molières?
In 2023, Molières became part of the Chemin d’Amadour (GR81), a 500 km long hiking trail that links Soulac-sur-Mer to Rocamadour.
For most people this went unnoticed, but not for us! This was something we’d hoped for, as it would enable us to realise our dream of running a gîte d’étape.
As soon as the new route was inaugurated, we started seeing hikers walk by our windows. Seeing this filled us with a sense of elation, as it combined our love of hiking and our love of sharing all that our little village has to offer. But more importantly, it showed us that opening a gîte d’étape was not only viable, but needed!
So, take a rest in Molières and discover what “the smallest of the bastides” has to offer.
Enjoy our lively village
Molières might be small, but it has a lot to offer!
The town square is the heart of the village. Here you’ll find a small grocery store, a café/restaurant and the “salle des fêtes”. It is the place where various local clubs and societies organise numerous events and activities, especially in summer. With a bit of luck, you’ll be able to enjoy them during your stay with us.
It is also the start of various trails (hiking, running and MTB) and a small discovery loop: “The Heritage Loop”, the perfect way to discover Molières’s history and heritage.
If you’d like more information, check out our Facebook page “Molières Découvertes” or ask us when you come to visit.
Please note that there is no ATM in Molières. And although it is increasingly possible to pay by card, this isn’t always the case.
What is a "Gîte d'étape"?
A gîte d’étape is a type of shared accommodation, similar to youth hostels, hostels or mountain refuges. They are known as “shared inns”.
If we want to be technical about it, article L.312-1 of the Tourism Code defines a “shared inn” as “a commercial accommodation establishment that offers beds by the day in shared rooms as well as in individual rooms to people who do not take up residence there. It may or may not be run for profit. It is operated by a natural- or legal person, on a permanent or seasonal basis. It has communal areas, including at least one dining area. Bathroom facilities are shared or private in the rooms. It may comprise one or more communal buildings.”
So, what does this mean?
Our gîte d’étape offers accommodation on a per-night basis and can accommodate guests who do not know each other.
It is located on the first floor of our home and can accommodate up to 6 people: 2 in an individual double room and four in the shared dorm, which is mixed and consists of 2 bunk beds. The communal areas are comprised of a fully equiped kitchen with a dining area, a livingroom, a seperate toilet and 2 bathrooms which are shared.
Our gîte d’étape is tailord to hikers and cyclists, but travellers of all ages and all levels are welcome.
It doesn’t matter if you’re travelling alone, in a group or with family ; if you’re staying for one night or for a while, we will be happy to have you. You can also ask to privatize the gîte.
The "Chemin d'Amadour" (GR81)
The Chemin d’Amadour (GR81) is a 500-kilometre hiking trail linking Soulac-sur-Mer to Rocamadour.
This ancient pilgrimage route follows in the footsteps of Saint Amadour and comprises 21 stages that take you through magnificent landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the Atlantic to the Causses du Quercy, this route crosses four departments: Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, Dordogne and Lot.
The Chemin d’Amadour partly follows an ancient pilgrimage route that linked Bergerac to Rocamadour. From the second half of the 12th century, this route served as a variant to the Santiago de Compostela routes. Thus, Rocamadour, a major pilgrimage site housing the Black Madonna, was linked to Cadouin, whose Cistercian abbey housed what was believed to be the facecloth from the tomb of Christ.
This cross-country route linked the Puy-en-Velay Way (via Rocamadour) with the Vézelay Way.
Learn more about our gîte d’étape
Discover the gîte
A spacious living room, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms – everything you need for a relaxing stay.
Food and drinks
You’ll find a small grocery store and a bar/restaurant on the town’s square. So, you’ll be able to organise your meals independently.
Booking
Take a look at our rates for individuals, groups, families or stays of more than one night, check availability and book your stay.
A gîte is born
Setting up a gîte d’étape in one of the village’s oldest houses isn’t something that happens overnight. We had to take it step by step.
