SAINT GUILHEM LE DÉSERT

Village located 35km from Montpellier in the Hérault Gorges.
A key stage on the "Via Tolosana" route to Compostella via Arles and Toulouse...
11th century abbey featured on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge), Cave of La Clamouse.
Wide choice of itineraries on foot, horseback, cross-country bike, donkey ... (GR 74, GR 653 and GR653B long-distance routes).
Climbing.
Canoeing down the Herault Gorges from April to September.

"Le Logis des Pénitents" Crêperie
On the village square.
Terrace under a plane tree.
Lovely vaulted room inside.
Room for families or groups on the 1st floor.
Dynamic, professional staff offering service with a smile, and quick service when required.
Varied selection of savoury and sweet pancakes, salads and specialities (tartiflette, raclette …).

Nestled in a rocky hollow forty kilometres north-west of Montpellier beside the Hérault Gorges, this medieval village on the pilgrims' route to Compostella has preserved its character and identity for 1,200 years.

A stone's throw from Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, the Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge) near the Cave of La Clamouse is the subject of many a legend.

To make sure the bridge built by the neighbouring abbeys of Gellone and Aniane was built in time, Saint Guilhem is said to have signed a pact with Lucifer by the terms of which the Devil accepted to let the work forge ahead in return for the soul of the first being to cross the bridge. Unfortunately for him, the first to cross the bridge was a small dog.

In his anger, the Devil threw himself into a black ravine and promised that there would be terrible floods for centuries to come. The Cirque of Navacelles, one of the most stunning works of art wrought by Nature in Europe, lies forty or so kilometres further north.