Abbey church of Saint Giles

As the gateway to the Gard Camargue and a major site for pilgrims on the Saint Jacques de Compostelle trail, the town of Saint-Gilles has preserved a most remarkable relic from its old Benedictine monastery, founded at the end of the 7th century by the hermit Giles: the 12th century abbey-church of Saint Giles. Listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, its Romanesque façade decorated with a multitude of sculpted details depicting scenes from the life of Christ is a masterpiece of Romanesque art in itself. Another treasure to admire is the old chancel's famous spiral staircase. Its quality earned it the admiration of many members of the Compagnons Tailleurs de Pierre stonemasons' organisation during their tour of France. The rib-vaulted crypt holds the tomb of Saint Giles, whose relics attract many pilgrims.