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Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Hérault

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Hérault
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On the Way of St. James, about forty kilometres from Montpellier in the heart of the wild Hérault Gorges, nestles a superb village known for its famous Gellone Abbey, which attracts many pilgrims and visitors every year. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it fits in perfectly with the surrounding rocky landscape and is remarkable for housing the relics of St. William and the True Cross. To get there, walk along the picturesque, flowery streets to Place de la Liberté, where the abbey church portal stands. After admiring the abbey's Romanesque architecture and especially its remarkable chevet, don't hesitate to pay the cloister a visit. Bathed in natural light, it offers a peaceful setting that once more demonstrates the serenity of this place.

Then go for a stroll on the cobbled streets lined with old stone houses interspersed with the little artisans' shops that make the town so charming. Take a break on its pretty square, complete with fountain, and enjoy a drink in the shade of its magnificent century-old plane tree.

If you love scenic viewpoints, don't forget to climb to the heights of the medieval city, where a breathtaking view of the valley awaits you! You can also go from Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert to the Cirque of L'Infernet, an immense natural wall formed by gigantic cliffs, where vines and olive trees grow on tiered terraces. To get there, take Rue du Bout du Monde from Place de la Liberté and follow the path along the river. A wonderful change of scene!

Additional information
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert...

A legendary city, in the heart of a preserved valley.

An unforgettable encounter...

This valley where Guilhem retired in 806 after having founded the monastery of Gellone was a true desert that only the shepherds of the Neolithic had already frequented.

A jewel of stone with vertiginous cliffs where thyme, oak and pine cling, this landscape made of stone and sky is enchanting. In its heart is hidden the legendary city of Saint-Guilhem, which then appears like a real oasis.

Along the creek "Verdus", it stretches its old lanes under the Languedoc sun for almost twelve centuries. Its houses, interwoven with one another, with tiles patinated by the sun and the weight of the years, are not all singular, but always bear the trace of their past: arcatures, lintels, geminated windows...

Developed around the abbey of Gellone, the village which has preserved its medieval identity, constitutes a set of a rare harmony.

Things to see and do

Leisure activities

Last nameActivity typeRateCity
Workout in the countryside
Sports sensations45 € to 168 € Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

Places of interest

Information points
Leisure centres
Monuments

Events and festivities

Information from the Tourist Office on +33 4 67 57 58 83 or from the Town Hall on +33 4 67 57 70 17.

La Forêt de st Guilhem Face aux Climats

Detailed information

Pablo Casals Festival
A prestigious chamber music festivalJuly / August 2024

Photos

Village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
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Devil's Bridge and its beach
Devil's Bridge and its beach
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Gellone Abbey
Gellone Abbey
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L'Hérault
L'Hérault
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Gellone Abbey (© D.Kuentz)
Gellone Abbey (© D.Kuentz)
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Village square
Village square
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Village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
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Village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
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Village square
Village square
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Anastylosis
Anastylosis
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Church of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Church of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
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Cloister of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Cloister of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
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Panorama (© Jean Espirat)
Panorama (© Jean Espirat)
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Another panorama on the village (© Jean Espirat)
Another panorama on the village (© Jean Espirat)
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Court of the abbey (© Jean Espirat)
Court of the abbey (© Jean Espirat)
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The abbey (© Jean Espirat)
The abbey (© Jean Espirat)
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The old mill (© Jean Espirat)
The old mill (© Jean Espirat)
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Covered passage (© Jean Espirat)
Covered passage (© Jean Espirat)
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Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
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Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
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Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
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Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
See photo
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
See photo
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
See photo
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
See photo
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
See photo
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
See photo
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
See photo
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
See photo
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
See photo
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (© Frantz)
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Devil's Bridge
Devil's Bridge
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The commune
The commune
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The commune
The commune
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The commune
The commune
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The commune
The commune
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The commune
The commune
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Gellone Abbey
Gellone Abbey
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Gellone Abbey
Gellone Abbey
See photo
Gellone Abbey
Gellone Abbey
See photo
Gellone Abbey
Gellone Abbey
See photo

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

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