Cougourlier trail
Sentier du Cougourlier via the N572, 30800 Saint-Gilles
Located southwest of Saint-Gilles, the Cougourlier interpretation trail lets you discover the richness and beauty of Camargue's natural heritage. On this family-friendly walk, you'll be able to admire a rich and varied flora and fauna. Egrets, herons, horses and bulls will give you a warm welcome!
The more curious can climb to the top of the l'escalassoun for a magnificent panoramic view of the entire Camargue Gardoise!
What's escalassoun?
It's a promontory from which the gardian can watch over his flocks!
L'étang du Scamandre in Saint-Gilles
Located in the heart of the Petite Camargue, the Etang du Scamandre is a freshwater pond covered with reedbeds and home to an abundance of wildlife, including numerous species of birds: herons, ibises, falcinellas and, of course, flamingos.
To promote the local natural heritage, a regional nature reserve was created on the edge of the pond, where it is now possible to stroll along various interpretation trails.
Long-distance footpaths in Saint-Gilles
GR 653 - Chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle: Located on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela from Arles, Saint-Gilles is the first stage of this mythical itinerary over 900 km long.
GR 700 - Chemin de Régordane: A thousand-year-old route of trade, spirituality, people and ideas, the 240-km Chemin de Régordane links Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Gilles.
GR 42 - Du Pilat à la Méditerranée: With over 450 km of paths, the GR42 links Saint-Etienne to Grau-du-Roi.
Cycling through vineyards and rice paddies!
This 51 km cyclo-discovery loop can be completed over several days. You can start by visiting the heritage-rich town of Saint-Gilles, including the Abbey Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in a remarkable ecosystem at the crossroads of Bouvine and wine-growing traditions.
The vineyards of the Costières give way to rice fields and orchards to marshes. The descent between Générac and Franquevaux will charm you with breathtaking panoramic views of the region's best-known landforms and the ponds of the Camargue.
You'll also find some great spots for observing the local flora and fauna.
Our Guide's anecdote!
Legend has it that Saint Gilles lived as a hermit in a forest not far from here, where he tamed a doe.
During a hunting trip, one of the Visigoth king's men, named Flavius Wamba, shot an arrow at the animal, wounding the hermit. To make amends, the king gave him the town's territory to found an abbey, of which Gilles became abbot.
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Saint-Gilles Tourist Office
5 Place de la République
30800 Saint-GillesTel. 04 66 58 38 00
Opening hours
November 1 to March 31
Monday to Friday:
9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm
April 1st to October 31st
Monday to Saturday:
9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm
The reception office is closed on public holidays.
