The abbey church
of Saint Gilles
Would you like to make the most of your stay in the Camargue at the Crin Blanc campsite to discover the local heritage? Situated less than 5 km from the campsite, the abbey church of Saint-Gilles is a beautiful building in the Provencal Romanesque style. Its proximity to our open-air hotel will allow you to get there by bike, in order to combine a cultural visit with cycle tourism in the Gardoise countryside.
A place of pilgrimage listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The church of Saint-Gilles du Gard is a former monastery built in the 7th century and converted into an abbey. Situated on the via Tolosane, it is one of the 70 monuments listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the roads to Santiago de Compostela in France. Benefiting from the support of the papacy and the income generated by the relics of the hermit Saint Gilles, the community decided to build an abbey. Work began in the 12th century and was completed in the 15th century.
A fine example of Provençal Romanesque art
Probably inspired by the cathedral of Saint-Trophime in Arles, the abbey church of Saint-Gilles du Gard seduces by its massive appearance and sobriety. This stone construction is distinguished by its richly decorated facade which acted as a “stone book” for the faithful, the Corinthian style pillars of the former high church, its crypt, its former choir and its spiral staircase.
Schedules of visits
The abbey church of Saint-Gilles du Gard opens its doors to the public:
- From April to October: from 9:30 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Saturday, from 14:00 to 18:00 on Sunday.
- From November to March: from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Saturday, from 14:00 to 17:30 on Sunday.
