Uzès - Saint-Gilles-du-Gard pilgrimage: walk in the footsteps of the Popes, between Rome and Compostela

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For centuries, Uzès has stood out for its exceptional religious heritage. Join the millions of pilgrims on the roads to Compostela, and make your way to theAbbey of Saint-Gilles, passing by the Cathedral of Saint-Théodorit and its Fenestrelle Tower, and the famous Palais des Papes in Avignon.

The light of the pontiffs of Rome and Avignon, just a stone's throw fromUzès.

Table of contents

At the crossroads between Rome and Compostela
Saint-Théodorit Cathedral and its Fenestrelle Tower: windows to the sky
Stay at the Boutique Hôtel Entraigues, a true haven of art and history
Uzès - Avignon stage on the route of Pope Urban V
The Palais des Papes in Avignon: the heart of medieval Christianity
The Via Avenio: towards the light of the South
Saint-Gilles Abbey and church
Cheminer en Uzège: a spiritual journey
Discover the Boutique Hôtel Entraigues in Uzès
Discover Uzès and the Pont du Gard

At the crossroads between Rome and Compostela

Just as the Alzon River rises in the lush green valleys in the shadow of the city, your spiritual journey can begin in Uzès. For years, many pilgrims have chosen it as their preferred starting point for journeys to Avignon, Saint-Gilles, or the Romanesque churches of Arles.

The Via Avenio links Uzès to Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, via a stage of the Chemin Urbain V. It follows ancient itineraries (GR, PR, vicinal paths, communal roads) and is part of the network of European pilgrimage routes, the routes de Compostelle.

Saint-Théodorit Cathedral and its Fenestrelle Tower: windows to the sky

Before hitting the road, a stop at the Cathédrale Saint-Théodorit d'Uzès is a must. Rebuilt in the XVIIᵉ century after the Wars of Religion, it retains some older elements, notably its emblematic bell tower: the Tour Fenestrelle.

Standing 42 meters tall, this tower is a cylindrical bell tower—the only one of its kind in France—that irresistibly brings to mind the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Built in the 12th century in the Lombard Romanesque style, it owes its name to the numerous small windows that adorn it (“fenestras” in Occitan). Designated a Historic Monument, it is one of Uzès most iconic landmarks and attracts pilgrims and visitors every year.

Stay at the Boutique Hôtel Entraigues, a true haven of art and history

In the heart ofUzès, the Boutique Hôtel Entraigues**** is a charming place to stay, ideal for travelers on spiritual journeys. Housed in a former 15th-century mansion, the establishment combines the nobility of ancient stone with contemporary elegance, offering a setting conducive to meditation and rest.

With its 19 rooms and suites (ranging from 15 to 50 m²), the hotel welcomes guests in an intimate setting—its deliberately limited capacity creates an atmosphere of calm and contemplation that is essential for a spiritual retreat.

It's not just a place to pass through: an art gallery and a space for dialogue and sharing, the hotel exhibits works by Occitan and international artists, inviting the eye to contemplate.

From the panoramic terrace, the view opens up to the rooftops of Uzès and the Fenestrelle Tower, the iconic bell tower of Saint-Théodorit Cathedral inUzès. It’s a prime vantage point for pilgrims wishing to combine their walk with a spiritual break before continuing on their way to Saint-Gilles-du-Gard.

Discover the Boutique Hôtel Entraigues in Uzès

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Uzès - Avignon stage on the route of Pope Urban V

To reach Avignon and its Palais des Papes fromUzès, take the Chemin Urbain V (Anduze - Avignon stage). Accessible via the GR® 63 and 42, this route allows you to follow in the footsteps of the Pope of Avignon, whose successors decided to move the seat of the papacy permanently to Rome, in the hope of reuniting Latin and Orthodox Christianity.

The Palais des Papes in Avignon: the heart of medieval Christianity

A few kilometers fromUzès, another monument bears witness to the spiritual power of the Middle Ages: the Palais des Papes in Avignon.

Built in the XIVᵉ century, this monumental Gothic edifice was the residence of the pontiffs when the papacy established itself in Avignon (1309-1377). The largest Gothic palace in the world, it symbolizes the religious and political influence of Avignon, capital of Western Christendom for almost a century.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palais des Papes is one of France's most visited monuments, and remains an essential landmark on the pilgrims' route.

The Via Avenio: towards the light of the South

Return to the Gard to continue your pilgrimage along the picturesque Via Avenio. It follows ancient itineraries (GR, PR, byways, communal roads) and is part of the European pilgrimage route network, the Routes de Compostelle.

Saint-Gilles Abbey and church

Arriving at the beautiful village of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, walk to its abbey, which has a history both prestigious and singular.

Founded in the VIIᵉ century around the tomb of Saint Gilles, a hermit of Greek origin who became one of the most popular saints of medieval Christianity, the abbey soon became a major pilgrimage site. In the XIᵉ and XIIᵉ centuries, its influence spread throughout southern France and as far as Catalonia.

Its abbey church, rebuilt in the XIIᵉ century, is a masterpiece of Provencal Romanesque art. Its sculpted façade, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle en France", illustrates biblical scenes of great iconographic richness. The building was also the starting point for the first crusade, preached in 1096.

Even today, Saint-Gilles Abbey remains a spiritual and heritage landmark for pilgrims and travellers on the Compostelle route. A blend of Romanesque art, pilgrimage memories and a meditative atmosphere, it links the Uzège region to the heyday of medieval Christianity.

Cheminer en Uzège: a spiritual journey

Under the soft autumn skies of Uzège, walking through the region becomes an act of searching for meaning and light.
Between religious heritage, natural landscapes and human encounters, each step brings us closer to the answer, both intimate and universal.

Put on your best hiking boots and let us guide you: between Uzès, Avignon, and Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, the trail becomes a unique experience.