Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

From Oct. 1, 2026 to Nov. 2, 2026

MILLE ANS D'HISTOIRE DANS L'UN DES PLUS BEAUX VILLAGES DE FRANCE

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is an essential stopover on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, nestled in the Gellone valley, a sumptuous setting of greenery and rocky outcrops.

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, an essential stopover on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, is nestled in the Gellone valley, a sumptuous setting of greenery and rocky outcrops. Accompanied by our guide, you'll stroll through the narrow streets of the village and discover its medieval treasures: the church and cloister of Gellone Abbey, a jewel of Languedoc Romanesque art, the village?s remarkable facades, the beauty of the Verdus waterfall?

Next dates:

• From 10/01/2026 to 11/02/2026

The Oct. 10, 2026

ATELIER CONTACT TERRE

Step by step, guided by an instructor, learn how to shape clay.

As part of the G%E9oParc Festival and the renewal of the “Grand Site de France” designation, the Saint-Guilhem Vall%E9e de l'H%E9rault Intermunicipal Tourist Office booth is offering a “Contact Terre” workshop: Let your imagination run wild as you explore all the sensations that pottery has to offer.

Next dates:

• 10/10/2026

The Oct. 10, 2026

DE L'OLIVE À L'HUILE, DU RAISIN AU VIN

A sensory experience designed to help you better understand the flavors and aromas of these local products.

As part of the ceremony to renew the “Grand Site de France” designation and the Festival of Science, discover the life cycle of the olive, followed by a tasting, and then explore the aromas of wine through an odorama experience. A sensory activity designed to help you better understand the flavors and aromas of these local products.

Next dates:

• 10/10/2026

The Oct. 10, 2026

JOURNÉES DU GRAND SITE DE FRANCE «GORGES DE L’HÉRAULT, SAINT-GUILHEM-LE-DÉSERT»

Celebration of the 2nd renewal of the "Grand Site de France" designation for the Hérault Gorges, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

Celebration of the 2nd renewal of the “Grand Site de France” designation for the Hérault Gorges, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Program of fun, family-friendly activities: “Chapel to Chapel” tours, scenic and geological walks, a farmers’ and artisans’ market, music, nature exhibits and hands-on science activities, exhibitions, and more. An event for residents and partners to celebrate the region’s treasures and its sustainability initiative: heritage, landscapes, biodiversity, geology, local expertise, and community initiatives will be in the spotlight.

Next dates:

• 10/10/2026

The Oct. 10, 2026

LECTURE DE PAYSAGE DU CIRQUE DE L'INFERNET

Discover the history of how the Cirque de l'Infernet and the Val de Gellone were formed. Come visit the Label en F%EAte festival village!

D%Discover the history of how the Cirque de l’Infernet and the Val de Gellone were formed as you travel upstream along the Verdus River with the team from the Géoparc Terres d’Hérault to understand how humans and rock have shapedthese unique landscapes, now recognized as a “Grand Site de France.”

Next dates:

• 10/10/2026

The Oct. 10, 2026

LABEL EN FÊTE : FÊTE DU RENOUVELLEMENT DU LABEL GRAND SITE DE FRANCE

To mark the 2nd renewal of the "Grand Site de France" designation for "Gorges de l’Hérault, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert," come celebrate the region’s treasures and the efforts to preserve them through activities, tours, walks, local producers, exhibits, and adventures for the whole family.

Event Schedule (General Public): From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Vendor Village. Pottery workshop by Argileum, the pottery center; tastings featuring the Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert IGP; Biodiversity and Natura 2000 booth; “Demain la Terre” booth & treasure hunt, “Monastic Garden” with the CCVH, booths from the three Grand Site de France tourist offices, “From Olive to Oil, From Grape to Wine” activity (Science Festival). Free - Place de la Liberté From 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: “Grand Site de France” Exhibition. Free admission - Place de la Liberté From 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.: The “When the Landscape Sings” circus performance. The Cirque de l’Infernet is a majestic natural amphitheater where silence is never complete: it is inhabited by the wind, the creaking of limestone, and, above all, the song of birds. To sit here and listen is to resonate with the garrigue. Ages 6 and up. Special instructions: Wear hiking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. Meeting place: at the “Grand Site de France” booth, located on Place de la Liberté, 34150 Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Reservations required: https://billetterie.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr/fr/produit/visite-gratuit-label From 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: A nature-focused walk through the heart of the Cirque de l’Infernet. Accompanied by the landscape specialist from the “Grand Site de France Gorges de l’Hérault, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert,” explore the Cirque de l’Infernet and discover the secrets of its landscapes. Meeting place: at the %AB Grand Site de France %BB booth, located on Place de la Liberté, 34150 Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Duration: 25 minutes Reservations required: https://billetterie.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr/fr/produit/balade-gratuit-label At 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.: A musical journey through the ages. Presentation and organ recital. Meeting place: at the “Grand Site de France” booth, located on Place de la Liberté, 34150 Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Reservations required: https://billetterie.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr/fr/produit/visite-site-france From 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Guided tour. Gellone Abbey: 1,200 Years of Architectural Evolution (part of the “Medieval Wonders” program). Meeting place: at the “Grand Site de France” booth, located on Place de la Liberté, 34150 Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Reservations required: https://billetterie.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr/fr/produit/label-fete-visite 11:00 a.m.: Occitan Choir. Songs by the Corala Occitanan de Saint-Guilhem accompanied by Lo Buou de Mesa. Meeting point: Under the arcades of Place de la Liberté 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Geology Walk “The Val de Gellone Along the Water.” Discover the history of how the Cirque de l’Infernet and the Val de Gellone were formed as you follow the Verdus River upstream with the team from the Géoparc Terres d’Hérault to understand how humans and rock have shapedshape these unique landscapes. Meeting place: at the “Grand Site de France” booth, located on Place de la Liberté, 34150 Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Reservations required: https://billetterie.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr/fr/produit/gellone-fete-visite 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: The River’s Inhabitants. Between the cliffs of the gorges and the Hérault River, animals have found an aquatic habitat that suits them. Discover these native species and their way of life through a fun and informative walk. Meeting place: at the “Grand Site de France” booth, located on Place de la Liberté, 34150 Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Reservations required: https://billetterie.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr/fr/produit/label-guilhem-visite 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.: Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, from yesterday to today. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, from yesterday to today: Between history and legends, as you wander through its picturesque narrow streets, discover the secrets of a village that has managed to preserve its authenticity over the centuries. Meeting place: at the “Grand Site de France” booth, located on Place de la Liberté, 34150 Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Reservations required: https://billetterie.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr/fr/produit/visite-gratuite-mtp Official Program: Meet at the Cirque de l’Infernet. 3:00 p.m.: Musical and scenic procession with the Pepe Caruso marching band toward the Cirque de l’Infernet. 4:30 p.m.: Speeches and unveiling of the “Objet Label.” 5:30 p.m.: Reception with live music. 8:00 p.m.: “D’orgue et d’Oc”—Traditional Occitan songs and early music from the South.

Next dates:

• 10/10/2026

From Oct. 17, 2026 to Oct. 22, 2026

EXPOSITION "JEAN PAULET, POTIER À SAINT-GUILHEM-LE-DÉSERT"

Jean Paulet Exhibition, potter in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

A pioneer of contemporary terracotta, Jean Paulet established his studio in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. He practiced his craft during a pivotal era, when traditional pottery was undergoing a major transformation. His refined and classical style reflects the legacy of ancient ceramics. Early in his career, he created everyday pottery that, over time, transformed and expanded to reflect the artist’s artistic explorations. His original work paved the way for key figures in contemporary ceramics—such as Pierre Bayle, Loul Combres, and Jean Pierre Azais—and gave new impetus to the Jeanifossian pottery tradition.

Next dates:

• From 10/17/2026 to 10/22/2026

The Nov. 8, 2026

BALADE PLANTES MÉDICINALES ET COMESTIBLES

WALK TO EXPLORE MEDICINAL AND EDIBLE PLANTS

Next dates:

• 11/08/2026

The Nov. 14, 2026

DEGUSTATION GOURMANDE CAVIAR

Guided tour and tasting

On the agenda: Guided tour of the Verdus fish farm, followed by a caviar tasting (by the ponds or in a small room). To round out the tasting, platters of smoked seafood will also be served: an assortment of smoked trout, sea bream, sea bass, and eel. Local wines Optional: You can extend this culinary experience with lunch at Le Souka, a wine bistro in Aniane (tapas to share, main courses starting at 23?).

Next dates:

• 11/14/2026