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!
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.
- Exhibitions throughout the year in the old Saint-Laurent church.
- March: pedestrian race "La sauta-Roc".
- Early June: medieval festival in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.
- July: 1st fortnight Musical season of Saint-Guilhem with the association of Friends of Saint-Guilhem.
- July 14: Fireworks of the Abbey and balls; local celebration.
- July / August: organ hours - concert in the Abbey.
- August: Festival of Theater and Music.
- September: day of the patrimony, the painters in the streets.
- December: Christmas in the village.
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
- On 18 april 2024
- FREE - how to register on our website : http://domainederestinclieres.herault.fr - St guilhem forest and climate - 18/04/2024 from 2pm to 5pm - domaine des lavagnes- Saint-Guilhem-le-désert ? Ages 10 and up - Please register with the association hosting the event - Proposed by : demain la terre ! - take a stroll through a magnificent forest of heritage interest, home to the rare Salzmann pine. We'll talk about the efforts being made to protect these centuries-old trees and the effects of climate on the forest. Enjoy superb views along the way. - This activity is offered as part of the "Hérault Nature" program of environmental activities and discovery, a partnership between the Département de l'Hérault and the coopere 34 network. The Hérault is yours for the taking ! - Don't want to miss out on any of the programming at the Maison départementale de l'Environnement ? Domaine de Restinclières ? Subscribe to our newsletter in just a few clicks : https://domainederestinclieres.herault.fr/1081-inscription-a-la-newsletter.htm - Discover the Domaine de Restinclières - Prades -le-Lez : - the advantages of domaine de restinclieres : - - 240 hectares of sensitive natural areas (ENS) - - Open 7 days a week - - Free parking - - Playground - - Picnic areas - - Various hiking and walking trails - - Free access to all facilities - - Year-round entertainment