In the Middle Ages, the abbey church of Saint-Gilles was the 4th most important place of pilgrimage in the Christian world, after Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela!
Abbey of Saint-Gilles
Built in the late 12th century, the abbey church is a true architectural gem. Once a popular destination for pilgrims from all over the world, it is now listed as a World Heritage Site as part of the "Les Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle en France"series.
Take time to admire its sculpted façade, an authentic masterpiece of Romanesque art. It features a frieze dedicated to the Passion of Christ.
Discover the monumental crypt, a veritable lower church. Exceptional for its size and the quality of its vaults, it still contains the tomb of Saint Gilles.
L’Abbatiale de Saint-Gilles du Gard fait partie du Club des Sites Touristiques du Gard, un réseau qui réunit 48 lieux emblématiques du territoire gardois.
Dès l’achat de votre première entrée dans un site partenaire, gardez votre ticket : il vous permet de bénéficier de réductions ou d’avantages dans d’autres sites participants. Achetez votre entrée sur place, conservez votre ticket, puis présentez le à l’accueil d’un autre site du Club pour profiter de votre offre.
Saint-Gilles spiral staircase
Perfectly preserved in theold choir of the abbey church, this staircase "Vis of Saint-Gilles"is an architectural masterpiece of the medieval period.
Its characteristic spiral structure and vaulted is is a remarkable feat of stereotomy, achieved by medieval stonemasons. âage.
Even today, the Vis de Saint-Gilles remains an essential stopover for journeymen stonemasons.
Porte des Maréchaux de Saint-Gilles
Built in the early 12th century, the Porte des Maréchaux was one of seven gates leading into the fortified enclosure of the town of Saint-Gilles in the Gard department.
It was later integrated into the new 14th-century enclosure.
Visit the Romanesque houses!
Built of quality ashlar, these beautiful medieval homes feature first floors with large doors. Their upper floors are lit by twin windows linked by moldings and friezes that cross the façade. Most are covered by imposing lintels topped by relieving arches.
Château d'Espeyran de Saint-Gilles
Situated 5km from the town, Château d'Espeyran is nestled in a superb 13-hectare park. Formerly the summer residence of the Abbés de Saint-Gilles, it became an elegant residential château in the 19th century.
Listed as a Historical Monument, it houses a large furnished residence reflecting the lifestyle of a wealthy 19th-century bourgeois family.
Above all, the Château d'Espeyran is the largest microfilm and digital image conservation site in the national and territorial network of the Archives de France.
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.
