I picked this overnight stop on my RoadTrip Summer 2025 for the simple reason that it was more of less halfway between Xàtiva and my home destination.
The hotel “Le Mas de Gleyzes“, or more precisely, a “chambres d’hôtes“, was situated in Lédenon, about a 15-20 km drive from Nîmes. To know more about this type of accommodation, check out “What is a “chambers et table d’hôtes“? in this review.
Booking gave this “mas” 4-stars and 8.9 (Fabulous), based upon 77 reviews, and the comments already logged are pretty much exact. Tripadvisor gave it 4.6 (Very Good) based upon 36 reviews.
It turned out that the drive was anything but calm. I had not factored in that the French love traffic jams. Sunday 1st June was a “long-weekend”, and it was a constant stop-start before the Spanish border and towards Nîmes. The trip took me two-hours more than originally planned.
My TomTom did a good job bringing me to the hotel, which is quite isolated along country roads.
This “chambres d’hôtes” has been around for quite a while, but since 2-months is now in the hands of a young couple, who have already started to add a touch of colour to decoration. It is popular with people visiting the Circuit de Lédenon, a motor racing circuit located about 15 km away. However, on this Sunday evening, I was the only guest. There was plenty of secure parking.
The term “mas” refers to a traditional farmhouse or estate in southern France, and “Gleyzes” is a French surname, most commonly found in southern France. It is likely of Occitan origin, a language historically spoken in this area. It might be related to the Occitan word “gleisa” meaning “church,” derived from the Latin “ecclesia“, This connection might suggest that the surname could have originally referred to someone who lived near or worked at a church. So “Le Mas de Gleyzes” could simply mean “the farmhouse of the Gleyzes family” or “the estate near the church”.
Welcome
In a “chambres d’hôtes” the whole approach is friendly and approachable. I was welcomed, made to feel at home, and shown to my room.
The room was called “Conde de la Masa”. It’s not clear why the room should be named after a Spanish noble title established in 1910. But other room are named “El Miura” and “El Sierro” which suggests a reference to famous bullfighting lineages. In fact the II Conde de la Maza founded a renowned fighting bull ranch in 1953 near Seville, which operated until 2018. And of course Nîmes, approximately 25 km from Lédenon, is renowned for its Roman amphitheater, the Arena of Nîmes, which serves as a venue for traditional Spanish-style bullfights festivals.
The room
The room was simple, but comfortable, with a view over the pool. It had all the amenities I needed, but I would mention that it needs a rack for the suitcase, and I think it’s missing a decent sized wall safe. The bed did not look anything special, but I slept well, and woke refreshed. The wifi worked perfectly.
The bathroom
Like the bedroom, the bathroom was functional, in the traditional style. Excellent shower, great towels, good bathroom amenities, etc.
Dinner and breakfast
Once installed I came down to a large covered area open to the pool. I had a beer and chatted with the host. Part of the pleasure in staying at a “chambres d’hôtes“, is the occasionally opportunity to chat with the host and learn a little about local life.
I didn’t want something sophisticate for the evening, and the host suggested a little salad, some local cheeses, and another local beer. Perfect. It was simple, well prepared, and very tasty.
Breakfast was early, about 07:00, and was again simple. Shame its wasn’t freshly pressed orange, but a warm fresh croissant, breads, some local jams, and a good coffee, were perfect, and set me up for the days’ drive home.
