Discover the best things to do during your visit to this beautiful village appreciated by French!
Known to be a spiritual and cultural step on the paths of Santiago de Compostela, visiting Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is discovering a beautiful destination for the loveeu·ses of authenticity and outdoor activities. Dive into the heart of the "valley of legends" and discover exceptional landscapes where, nestled between huge cliffs, this medieval city stands proudly as the testimony of a legendary past.
Walk through its flowery alleys framed by buildings of another era, push the door of craftsmen’s shops and enjoy this fantastic jump in time. Visits of monuments, hiking, swimming or cannyoning... enjoy the best ways of one of the most beautiful villages in France. And to make it easier for you, you can discover the must-sees to do when visiting Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert!
1. The Abbey of Gellone
Photo credit: Shutterstock – JohannesOehl
Registered to World Heritage by Unesco since 1998, the abbey of Gellone is the place to visit when you are passing through the region. Built in the early 9th century, it quickly became a stop in the eyes of pilgrims.
Today you can explore it and discover its rich history. Don’t hesitate to pass through its museum located in the former refectory of the monks. You can observe, among other things, material reconstructions of the cloister and the tomb of Guillaume duc d’Aquitaine — founder of the abbey.
2. Museums
Photo credit: Facebook – Argileum, pottery house
The village of Antan
Push the door of this 12th century house and make yourself an idea of the art of living ancient times thanks to the human-sized santons forming this atypical museum. The santonniers of the village that yours will be a pleasure to punctuate your visit of pretty anecdotes.
After being immersed in the heart of this exciting table of 11,000 hours of work, give yourself a relaxing break in the adjacent tea room. On the menu: homemade cakes and salads. Enjoy everything on a pretty terrace in the shade of trees.
Argileum
Located in the village of Saint-Jean-de-Fos – muted by craftsmanship for several generations — Argileum offers a unique experience around the pottery. Nestled in a restored 19th century workshop, this museum allows amat·rices and curieu·x·ses to discover the know-how and history of potters through an interactive and playful journey. Projections, games, animations and many more surprises await you. How to delight young and old!
Bonus : the entrance of the museum is free every first Saturday of the month.
3. The House of Lorimy
Photo credit: Facebook – Tourisme Saint Guilhem Vallée de l’Hérault
From its pretty Romanesque façade to the lumbar arcs on the ground floor, the Maison Lorimy is considered one of the most beautiful in the village. A former chapel of the Pénitents, it is today a private property appreciated by the associations of the region. It often hosts different types of performances such as conferences, concerts or exhibitions.
4. Saint-Laurent Church
Photo credit: Facebook – The Guilhem Valley – guided tours between Stories and traditions
Built at the end of the 11th century, the St. Lawrence Church once held the role of citadel and was therefore a strategic location for the defence of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. During the Wars of Religion, its structure suffered many damages, including the destruction of its vault.
Today, it is part of the village's municipal cultural spaces.
5. The Château du Géant
Photo credit: Facebook – Tourisme Saint Guilhem Vallée de l’Hérault
The Château du Géant, also known as "Office du Géant" or "Colombiar" is a building that has inspired many legends. And for cause, if one agrees to think that he was a military enemy in the Middle Ages, no one really knows what his role was in the past. Pigeonnier or remains of a giant accompanied by his faithful pie?
One thing is certain, this tower — made majesticly above the village — still contains many secrets.
6. The Devil Bridge
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Plamen Nikolov
Originally borrowed by monks and pilgrims to join the abbeys of Gellone and Aniane, the Pont du Diable has become one of these must-sees to visit in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Long 50 meters, this impressive construction dating from the 11th century engrossed the river of the Hérault, instead known as “black swell”.
He holds his name from a legend that the devil, after having worked to prevent the progress of the bridge’s work, promised to Saint Patron Guilhem to build one of the strongest in exchange for “the soul of one of your servants’ dogs.” He kept his word but realized that Guilhem had played him. In anger, he tried to destroy the bridge... in vain.
7. The Gorges de l’Hérault
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Eider Anduaga
Running between Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois and Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, the Gorges de l’Hérault is an exceptional landscape in the heart of the valley. In the midst of a varied and preserved flora and fauna, they also host a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking, climbing, canoeing or canyoning, the means are numerous to enjoy its panorama between friends or family.
Don’t forget your jerseys! If swimming is not monitored in the gorges, the beach of the Devil Bridge has a seasonal monitoring.
8. The Circus of the Infernet
Photo credit: Shutterstock – ldgfr photos
Extraordinary natural wall shaped by dizzy cliffs, Cirque de l’Infernet is a place appreciated by hikers·ses. Browse winding trails above the Val de Gellone and enjoy the myriad of panoramas that rise over your ascent. Admire the vineyards and olive trees cling to the rocky massifs and occasionally observe the many species that have found refuge there.
You want more? Take the famous Fenestrelles path and go to the highest point of the circus: the point of view Max Nègre where you will have the chance to enjoy a most striking picture.
9. The cave of Clamouse
Photo credit: Shutterstock – nullplus
Placed a few meters from the Devil Bridge, the Clamouse cave is a must to do in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Today ranked by the Ministry of Ecology and Development, it was discovered only in 1945. Discover the secrets and wonders of its countless galleries carved for millennia by the work of water. You'll bring out stars full of eyes!
10. Hiking
Photo credit: Shutterstock – LOUIS-MICHEL DESERT
To visit the region in all its seams, hikes remain a must to do during your journey. Heat your best sneakers and go for adventure beyond the village walls.
Several circuits are available and can satisfy as much as possible. Find in particular the hikes of the ermitage Notre-Dame-du-Lieu-Plaisant . Get ready to have a full eye!
How to get to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert?
We have heard that “all the paths lead to the Heraut valley.” By car, by plane or by bus, you will necessarily reach your destination. Here are some details, before visiting Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.
By plane
You think you're coming through the air? From several metropolises in France — such as Paris , Lyon , Strasbourg or Nantes — find regular flights to the nearest airport: Montpellier Méditerranée. To be sure to find tickets at the best price, don’t hesitate to use a flight comparison like Skyscanner .
From Montpellier Mediterranean airport
- Once arrivedairport of Montpellier, take the shuttle (line 120) towards the Place de l’Europe. Count about 25 minutes travel.
- At Place de l’Europe, borrow the line 1 (blue) from the tram to Mosson.
- From Mosson, bus 668 takes approximately 30 minutes to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.
Note : count about €1.60 the ticket for your trips using the transportation network of Montpellier Métropole and that of the Hérault. In general, trips are free for children under 5 years of age.
By car
Many tourists take the car to visit Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Here’s how to get there:
From Montpellier
Take the highway A 750 (free) towards Millau /Love
From Millau
Take the highway A 75 (free) towards Beziers /Montpellier
From Béziers
To visit Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert from Béziers, take the highway A 75 (free) towards Millau/Montpellier
By bus
From Montpellier
Importantly, the public transport network is an excellent way to get to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. With LiO Hérault Transport you will not need to use cars.
In about 30 minutes, the Line 668 — from Mosson — leads you to the bridge of the Diable and Saint-Guilhem-Le-Désert.
Where to stay in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert?
In this setting, you will not find an infinity of accommodation, such as hotels, guest houses or Airbnb . However, several good addresses nest here and there. Find the most suitable accommodation by using a hotel comparison .
On the historic square, in the pedestrian center or in the heart of a forest massif, sleep in authenticity frames and full of good surprises.
It is now time to visit Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert !
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