In the Hérault river gorges of southern France, visit the mediaeval village and abbey of Gellone, listed as World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
This mediaeval village in the Languedoc is listed as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages. It was also a stage of the Santiago De Compostela pilgrimage trail, in the Saint Guilhem hills. The village grew around Gellone Abbey near the Pont du Diable. A great place to visit as a family or among friends.
Listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France"
Situated to the north-west of the city of Montpellier, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert grew up near the Hérault River.
Between the steep cliffs covered with thyme, oak and pine, the villages' houses form winding narrow streets. The facades feature arcatures, lintels and gemel windows.
The Abbey of Gellone is listed as world heritage by UNESCO as part of the Santiago De Compostela Trail
The village is famous for the Abbey of Gellone, founded by Charlemagne's cousin Guilhem. Celebrated by troubadours during the Middle Ages, Guilhem made his name during the military campaigns against the Saracens. As the hero of the capture of Barcelona in 803, he chose to lay down his arms and to become a monk. In 804, guided by Saint-Benoît d'Aniane, he founded a monastery in the lonely Val de Gellone (Gellone valley).
In the 10th century, Guilhem became Saint-Guilhem and Gellone's spiritual influence was established. The monastery became a favourite stop-off point along the Santiago De Compostela Trail, the famous pilgrimage route to Spain.
The reconstruction of the abbey began in the early 11th century. This was typical of Early Languedoc Romanesque Art.
It is listed as World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, in addition to the nearby Pont du Diable (Devils Bridge).
A landscape perfect for hiking and rambling
The Saint Guilhem hills are popular with hikers. Beginning at the village square, a number of hikes provide an opportunity to discover some outstanding views and rare plant and tree varieties including the Salzman pine.
Visit the website for Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert : http://www.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr
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