Saint-Gilles, a stage on the Way of St James
In the Middle Ages, Saint-Gilles was one of the great pilgrimage sites of Christendom, built around the tomb of Saint Giles. Its abbey church has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. Les Petites Voûtes stands at the very foot of the Abbey.
On the way
- Saint-Gilles is a stage on the Via Tolosana, the route from Arles (GR 653), and the end of the Régordane way.
- Next stage: Vauvert, about 18 km and 4½ hours on foot.
- Tradition holds that Saint-Gilles was once the fourth pilgrimage site of Christendom, after Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago.
What to see, a minute from the door
- The Romanesque façade with its three carved portals.
- The great crypt and the Vis de Saint-Gilles, the spiral stone staircase famous among stonemasons: days and times from the tourist information office.
Practical
- Tourist information office: 5 place de la République, a three-minute walk. Ask for the free “Guide du cheminant”, with all the practical information for pilgrims.
- Self check-in from 5 pm, check-out by 10 am (later check-out available as an option).
- Washing machine, tumble dryer and drying rack: your clothes are ready for the next stage.
- A walk-in rain shower and a 160 × 200 bed beneath the vault, for two guests.
Sources: Gard Tourisme, Santiagooo.