Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: garrigue

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.

Upto 1949 the village of La Boissière was connected to the rest of the world via a railway-line. The line was closed up, the rails were taken out. All what is left now is comfortable walking path, leading over railway-bridges through the "garrigue".