Apr 29: St. Guilhem le Désert

 One of the most consistent recommendations for people visiting Montpellier is a trip to St. Guilhem le Désert, which is a beautiful village built in a steep ravine about a 40 minute drive out of town.  

The village grew up around an Abbey founded by Charlesmagne's counsellor Guilhem when he returned from Rome in 800 with 3 pieces of wood said to be remnants of the Cross. The Abbey became a waystation for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.  The village has the designation as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France as well as a Grand Site de France, and our visit lived up to its reputation.