The large site of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Hérault Gorges

The Great Site of France Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert – Hérault Gorges is located in the valley of the River Hérault around 40 km west of Montpellier and covers 5 municipalities: Aniane, Montpeyrou, Puechabon, St-Guilhem-le-Désert and St Jean-de-Fos.

The village of St Guilhem-le-Désert is a must for visitors interested in art history, as it includes the famous site of Gellone Abbey, a work of early Languedocian Romanesque art built in 804. Not far from there, the Pont du Diable (Devil’s Bridge) is crossed by many pilgrims due to its location on the Way of St James, an itinerary that is also a World Heritage Site.

The site’s mysticism and beauty are preserved by the association that manages the Great Site, which receives nearly 700,000 visitors per year. The Maison du Grand Site, an interpretation centre, and a shop selling cultural and craft gifts are some of the places where you can discover the Great Site’s treasures.

Meanwhile, the Hérault Gorges are very popular with canoeists, and olive trees and vines grow in the piedmont plains.

On the plateaus, flocks of sheep still graze in the natural open spaces and thus ensure their great biodiversity.

For more information: www.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr