St-Guilhem-le-Désert - Chateau du Géant

When I reached St-Guilhem-le-Désert last year, I had the impression, that the abbey of Gellone was built near the end of the valley. Following the "balisage" now, I found out, that behind the parking lot, the valley continues and even widens. Later a steep ascent starts. For the next hours the "chemin" is steep and does not offer much shadow. If you plan to walk here, have in mind, that it can be very hot, so carry enough water with you. This mediterranean scrubland is called "garrigue" - and it is hot and dry.

The ruins the chateau du Géant. The legend tells that St. Guilhem had to fight against this giant, before he founded the abbey of Gellone here. As St. Guilhelm, cousin and combatant of Charlemagne, used his miraculous sword, the giant had no chance.

Most people visiting St-Guilhem-le-Désert notice the ruins on top of mountain above the village.