Our Story
A family affair
Our history
It all began with Alain and Dominique, who settled in the south of the Lozère with a dream of creating a refuge for hikers at the heart of the Cévennes. That dream became reality with the Pont de Burgen gîte, and they later moved to Frégère Basse, where they could devote themselves to the kitchen garden alongside their donkeys.
Over many years, they welcomed hikers and families who sometimes returned even when their children had grown up.
The new generation since 2023
Thi My and Virgile joined the adventure, leaving behind their urban salaried life in Montpellier to give their two daughters Ayden and Soane a greener upbringing. Virgile knows the area well, having grown up here; he can enrol the girls in the same little village school he attended as a child, let them run freely in nature, and allow Ayden to get her hands in the soil of the kitchen garden.
A wonderful setting, and a new life in a multigenerational home begins.
Keeping the story alive for future generations
With all these childhood memories, we want to preserve this way of travelling - staying authentic and close to our guests. To continue welcoming visitors from all walks of life and offering them an extraordinary adventure, far from the uncontrollable urban bustle.
The family
Alain Pigache
Farmer, equine breeder, mountain guide
He takes care of everything: designing your itinerary, choosing the right donkey for you, explaining the maps, getting you on your way. He is also in the kitchen, in the garden, tackling the chores... in short, everywhere.
Dominique Donnet
Retired farmer and breeder
We owe her the beautiful, immense vegetable garden, the flowers, the fruit, the vegetables… She is the garden expert. The delicious sweet recipes (jams, ice creams, homemade cakes) are the work of Mamie Dom.
Thi My Nguyen
Orthoptist by training, multi-skilled here
Trained in various fields, she is in her element: management, communication, service and above all cooking! She delights in creating recipes inspired by faraway places using local produce. She is still happily learning the rest of the trade!
Virgile Pigache
Farmer, handyman, former stonemason
The team's muscle, the all-rounder, the woodsman of our winters. He takes on the new construction and renovation projects. With his wife Thi My, they manage the Pont de Burgen gîte.