"Saint Guilhem, a main stage for Compostelle" Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert by JLBG

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert Travel Guide: 77 reviews and 84 photos

Saint Guilhem, has been for centuries a main stage on Saint-Jacques de Compostelle's road. Now it is a main destination from tourists.

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Its cloister is an oasis of peace in the middle of this tourist's turmoil

After Gellone, the abbey in the sun, you must visit Clamouse, the cathedral in the night.
Clamouse cave is a must. It was discovered in the late 40s and open for visit in the early 60s. That means that it has never been visited with oil lamp and has not been spoiled by the deposit of charcoal from these lamps, as many ''old'' caves (i.e. visited since the turn of last century : grotte des Demoiselles near Montpellier, grotte de Han in Belgium, etc...). Its the most ''decorated'' cave I know : it is full of concretion of all kind, of all colour and of all size. The visit is really a must. My photos are not of very good quality because of the poor light ! It's the kingdom of night !
For more, click on Clamouse
More photos under ''night life''

Last visit to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert: May 2004
Intro Updated Nov 25, 2004
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Reviews (58)

Twin thin stalagmites - Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

Twin thin stalagmites Nightlife (26)

After some million years, once they will have grown enough, these thin twin stalagmites will grow into one single large... more travel advice

Calcite efflorescences - Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

Calcite efflorescences Nightlife (26)

Calcite efflorescences are the most delicate of all these concretions. They have been found in very few caves in the... more travel advice

The jellyfish's head (hard one !) - Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

The jellyfish's head (hard one !) Nightlife (26)

After the elephant, let us dive into the Ocean to find a large jellyfish's head. Its living model, 99% of water, is soft... more travel advice

Draperies and columns - Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

Draperies and columns Nightlife (26)

Draperies and columns can sometimes have really odd shapes. Here, I can see a decayed elephant head. On the left, the... more travel advice

Things to Do (28)
See All Still water !
Tourist Traps (1)
No parking

Comments (13)

TheWanderingCamel Feb 13, 2006 at 6:42 PM Report Abuse

Fantastic cave photos. I love this region of France - StG and other towns - Minerve and St Martin du Londres. Nice memories. leyle
evaanna Dec 19, 2005 at 4:49 AM Report Abuse

Delightful mediaeval and Rennaissance architecture and a great nightlife spot :-)) Thanks for the wonderful tour.
Trekki Sep 4, 2005 at 1:16 PM Report Abuse

Bookmark !! This city and the caves are THE place for me, as I love these types of old houses and charme - and the caves seem to be just exciting ! Thanks for sharing !
Bigjones May 26, 2005 at 2:52 AM Report Abuse

Je suis tombée sous le charme de St-Guilhem l'été dernier. Bravo pour cette page !
Waalewiener May 14, 2005 at 9:05 PM Report Abuse

Well explained page Jean Louis Haha it is fun to read Matt saying I would hav e taken the same pic's and I bet Matt would have . They are impressive places to see Jean Louis these Caves Great page .
matcrazy1 Apr 28, 2005 at 12:51 PM Report Abuse

Great caves and architectural details. Haha, you take similar pictures as I would do at those places I didn't visit yet.
nigelw6443 Jan 28, 2005 at 5:12 AM Report Abuse

Looks great! The caves are quite impressive too!
Azhut Nov 12, 2004 at 8:39 AM Report Abuse

Merveilleuses caves :-)) merci XXXXXXXX
johanl Aug 12, 2004 at 4:43 AM Report Abuse

very good impression of this village. Was there a few ago.
KristaB Jun 18, 2004 at 10:54 PM Report Abuse

End Of The World Street leading towards Castle Of The Giant. Tempting yet scary. I am enchanted by caves, I need someone to drag me through or I'd just stay and stare. Wonderful pictures!