What to do in Gigean ? Five ideas for outings in this commune of the Bassin de Thau

La vue depuis les hauteurs de la Gardiole sur l'Abbaye Saint-Félix-de-Montceau et sur Gigean. – Valentine GRAFF

Located at the foot of the Gardiole massif, the town of Gigean is the gateway to the Thau Basin between Sète and Montpellier. Composed of a medieval heart, it is home to historic buildings. Gaining height and plunging into the Gardiole offers a panoramic view of the sea and the Thau lagoon.

 

1. The Abbey of Saint-Félix-de-Montceau

The Abbey of Saint-Félix-de-Montceau is located in the heart of the Gardiole massif.

The Saint-Félix-de-Montceau Abbey dominates the town of Gigean. The ruins of this ancient abbey located on the Gardiole massif overlook the Montpellier plain. Founded in the 11th century, it is now listed as a historical monument. Remains demarcating the different rooms that made up the abbey, such as a warming room, a funeral parlor or even stairs that can be walked on, allow you to immerse yourself in the life of the nuns. Offering a panoramic view of the Thau lagoon, it marks the start of various marked hikes for all levels. For a slightly more unusual climb, the Beau Nez d'Âne farm offers a donkey ride for the youngest. Beware of mosquitoes and the sun in unshaded areas!

2. The extremely rare pediment of the new Saint-Géniès church

The Saint-Géniès church is one of the only ones in France with this pediment.

Built opposite the town hall, the construction of the Saint-Géniès church met a strong expectation. It was built in 1870 to replace the old church located in the heart of the town, considered too small to accommodate the faithful. More than just a religious role, it is important for the history and culture of Gigean, housing in particular paintings, statues and sacred art objects. The most unusual thing is its pediment. Visitors can read there: «French Republic, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity». This inscription added after the law of 1905, when the State regained control over places of worship, is a particularity that only about a hundred churches in France share.

3. The Studium Urbain V

The Studium Urbain V is located in the heart of the medieval town of Gigean.

The Studium of Urban V, also called Asbescat, is located in the heart of the Gigean circulade, next to the old Saint-Géniès church. Founded between 1364 and 1365 by Pope Urban V, the sixth Pope of Avignon (1362-1370), this building served as a preparatory college for higher education with the aim of training future academics. Concerned by the gradual decline of the University of Montpellier where he taught, Pope Urban V decided to found three studia in Languedoc, including one in Gigean. According to him, it was essential to develop culture and science and therefore used his position as Pope to create educational establishments. By prefectural decree, the Studium is listed as a historic monument. Today, observing its building is a must.

4. The chapel of the White Penitents, guardian of the circulade

The chapel of the White Penitents is located at the entrance to the Gigeannaise circulade.

Located on Rue de la Chapelle, in the heart of the town of Gigean, the Penitents' Chapel was built by the Brotherhood of the White Penitents during the 17th and 18th centuries. This brotherhood, not attached to the clergy, had to show charity towards others; they cared for the sick and honoured funerals. In 1811, there were 105 Brothers per 1,000 inhabitants. After much destruction during the wars, the Chapel has now been restored and features colourful stained glass windows as well as a choir renovated thanks to funding raised by the Association for the Safeguarding of the Chapel. Every Saturday, it is possible to visit it between 10 am and 12 pm and a mass is held there every first Tuesday of the month.

5. The Anne de la Fare house, on the road to Compostela

The pilgrims' house is located at 3 rue église vieille.

Ideal for hikers on their way to Santiago de Compostela, the recently renovated Maison Anne de la Fare provides accommodation and a night in the heart of Gigean without leaving the Pyrenean Piedmont route (GR 78). Called Anne de la Fare in homage to the last abbess of Gigean (1723-1746), it is located at 3 rue église vieille. This historic building is known in particular for having housed the nuns of the Gigean abbey in 1514, who decided to leave the Gardiole massif due to insecurity. Today, the Maison du Pèlerin, in the heart of old Gigean, is a must-see place to sleep. To access it, a reservation is required at 04 67 46 64 64 from Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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