Mas Saint Antoine never stays within its own walls. We regularly attend Gîtes de France meetings to keep up with everything new: network developments, what travellers are looking for, new addresses in the area. This time the meeting took place in Vals-les-Bains, at the Volane brewery in Vals-les-Bains, a young brand taking over from a historic brewery in the spa town. Here is its story, and what it can add to your stay in Ardèche.
What is the Volane brewery and why are we talking about it?
The Volane brewery is a new brewery in Vals-les-Bains, born from the renovation of the former Bourganel brewery. According to the regional daily Le Dauphiné Libéré, a trio of partners came together in May 2025 to buy the equipment of the Bourganel brewery, which had closed two months earlier. Since December 2025 they have been renovating the town’s historic brewery to give it a fresh start under the name Volane.
The three entrepreneurs are Mathieu and Nicolas Chauche, together with Raphaël Chambonnet, as shared by the Pays d’Aubenas Facebook page on 28 March 2026. Their promise is simple: beer will flow again in Vals-les-Bains.

How did the Bourganel brewery become Volane?
This place has a story of passing the torch. Christian Bourganel created his brewery in 2000 in the heart of the spa town. His idea: refreshing beers made with products from the Ardèche mountains, such as chestnut and blueberry, as well as honey, nougat and verbena. Here are the key steps:
| Date | Step |
|---|---|
| 2000 | Bourganel brewery founded in Vals-les-Bains |
| Early 2025 | Bourganel brewery closes |
| May 2025 | A trio of partners buys the equipment |
| December 2025 | Renovation work begins |
| 28 March 2026 | Rebirth announced under the name Volane brewery |
| 14 October 2026 | Gîtes de France meeting at the Volane brewery |
The name Volane nods to the river that runs through Vals-les-Bains and joins the Ardèche near Labégude. It is a lovely local anchor for a brand that wants to bring the area to life.
Where is the Volane brewery?
The Volane brewery is in Vals-les-Bains, Ardèche, in the historic premises once occupied by the Bourganel brewery. Vals-les-Bains is a spa town known for its thermal baths, its park and its casino. For the exact address and public opening hours, the simplest way is to check the brewery’s social media pages or contact its team directly.

What is there to see and do in Vals-les-Bains around the Volane brewery?
A visit to the Volane brewery combines very well with a day in the Ardèche mountains:
- Stroll around Vals-les-Bains: the spa town offers its thermal baths, its park and its casino.
- Continue to Antraigues-sur-Volane: a village of character, linked to the memory of Jean Ferrat, which the Volane river also runs through.
- Taste local produce: the area’s small markets are the perfect complement to a craft beer break.
Bernard’s tip: after every meeting we come home with addresses to share. If you stay with us, ask for our current favourites.
When to visit? Which season to choose?
In spring
The Ardèche mountains invite you to go hiking. A stop in Vals-les-Bains at the end of a walk is the perfect combination.
In summer
Ardèche is at its liveliest. Check the brewery’s opening hours before you go, then enjoy the Mas swimming pool in the late afternoon.
In early autumn and late season: our favourite time
October and November are a real invitation. Autumn is the season of chestnut festivals in Ardèche, and chestnut is one of the signature ingredients of the beers born in Vals-les-Bains. Fewer crowds, beautiful light: it is also the ideal time for a group weekend. The Mas can be privatised for 20 to 38 people, and this is exactly when we have availability.
In winter
Vals-les-Bains remains a spa town: thermal treatments are possible outside July and August, making it a calm wellness destination.
What budget should you plan?
The Volane brewery’s menu and prices evolve as it opens up. To know current prices, the simplest way is to contact the team directly, who will be happy to help.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Relying on old listings: the brand has changed, so use Volane’s social media or the tourist office for up-to-date information.
- Turning up without checking opening hours: a call or message saves a wasted trip, especially with a young business.
- Forgetting to combine your visit: Vals-les-Bains and Antraigues-sur-Volane deserve a half day.
Where to eat and stay nearby?
The Vals-les-Bains area has plenty of addresses, and we prefer to recommend only those we have tried. To find a good table, we suggest the local Tourist Office or the nearby restaurants filter on Google Maps and Tripadvisor. Guests at the Mas receive an up-to-date list of our current favourites on arrival.
Why stay at Mas Saint Antoine to discover the Volane brewery?
- ✅ 6 independent cottages on a 2-hectare estate in Bourg-Saint-Andéol
- ✅ 13×6 m saltwater pool and air conditioning
- ✅ Rated 4.9/5 from 130 verified reviews
- ✅ Petit Futé 2026 selection
- ✅ Private hire for 20 to 38 guests: company seminar, extended family or friends weekend, ideal for combining a taste of the local scene with time together
Check availability for your next stay, or discover our private hire options.
In conclusion
- The Volane brewery is the rebirth of the Bourganel brewery, driven by three entrepreneurs.
- It carries on a tradition of beers with Ardèche flavours in Vals-les-Bains.
- Check the address and opening hours with the team before you visit.
- Late season, with its chestnuts, is the ideal time to discover it.
For us, being a host also means sharing the area’s great stories. Volane’s was one we wanted to tell. Discover our 6 cottages in Ardèche and come and live it with us.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Volane brewery in Vals-les-Bains?
The Volane brewery is a new brewery in Vals-les-Bains, Ardèche. It was born from the renovation of the former Bourganel brewery, whose equipment was bought by a trio of partners. Its name recalls the Volane river, which runs through the spa town.
Who is behind the Volane brewery?
According to Le Dauphiné Libéré and the Pays d’Aubenas Facebook page, the Volane brewery is run by Mathieu and Nicolas Chauche, together with Raphaël Chambonnet. The trio bought the Bourganel brewery equipment in May 2025, then started the renovation in December 2025.
What is the link between Volane and the Bourganel brewery?
Volane takes over the historic premises of the Bourganel brewery, founded in 2000 in Vals-les-Bains by Christian Bourganel. The equipment was bought and renovated, and the brewery is reborn under a new name. The stated ambition is to make beer flow again in the spa town.
Where does the name Volane come from?
Volane is the name of the river that runs through Vals-les-Bains and Antraigues-sur-Volane before joining the Ardèche near Labégude. It is a nod to the brewery’s local identity, set in the heart of the spa town.
Which beers does the Volane brewery offer?
Volane’s range is best discovered with the team, as we do not detail it here. The former Bourganel brewery was known for beers made with Ardèche products such as chestnut, blueberry, honey, nougat and verbena. Ask Volane directly for its current menu.
Can you visit the Volane brewery?
We have no confirmed information on Volane visits. The former Bourganel brewery offered visits with tastings, but nothing says the new brand works the same way. The safest option is to contact the team for opening hours and any visits.
How far is Mas Saint Antoine from the Volane brewery?
Vals-les-Bains is in the Ardèche mountains, further north-west than Bourg-Saint-Andéol, where Mas Saint Antoine is located. The journey is by car and we are happy to suggest the best route when you book. It makes a lovely outing to combine with your stay.
What is the best season to discover the Volane brewery?
Late season is ideal: in October and November, Ardèche celebrates the chestnut and it is quiet. It is also when Mas Saint Antoine has availability for group weekends and seminars, with private hire for 20 to 38 people.
Why does Mas Saint Antoine attend Gîtes de France meetings?
We attend Gîtes de France meetings to stay informed about developments in the sector, exchange with other hosts and discover new addresses in the area. These meetings help us advise our guests better and show them places like the Volane brewery.
Where can I find the address and opening hours of the Volane brewery?
The exact address and opening hours should be confirmed with the brewery itself, as the young business is still settling in. Check its social media or contact its team. The local Tourist Office can also help. Please check before travelling.
Article written by Bernard Favre, owner of Mas Saint Antoine.


















