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 routes to Compostela, and walk all the way to the Saint-Gilles Abbey, passing through Saint-Théodorit Cathedral 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 from Uzès.

Table of contents

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

At the crossroads between Rome and Compostela

Much like the Alzon river rising in the verdant valleys in the town's shadow, your spiritual journey can begin in Uzès. For years, many pilgrims have chosen it as their preferred starting point to reach Avignon, Saint-Gilles, or the Romanesque churches of Arles.

The Via Avenio connects Uzès to Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, passing through a stage of the Chemin Urbain V. It follows ancient routes (GR, PR, local paths, municipal roads) and is part of the network of European pilgrimage routes, the Ways of St. James.

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

Before setting off on the road, a stop is a must at Saint-Théodorit Cathedral in Uzès. Rebuilt in the 17th century after the Wars of Religion, it retains older elements, notably its iconic bell tower: the Fenestrelle Tower.

Standing 42 meters high, this tower is a unique cylindrical bell-gable in France, strongly reminiscent of 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). Listed as a Historic Monument, it is one of the major symbols of Uzès, attracting pilgrims and visitors every year.

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

In the heart of Uzès, Boutique Hôtel Entraigues**** presents itself as a charm-filled accommodation, ideal for travelers journeying along spiritual paths. Set within a former 15th-century private mansion, the establishment combines the nobility of ancient stones 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 its guests in an intimate setting — its intentionally limited capacity provides an atmosphere of calm and contemplation essential for a spiritual stay.

It is not merely a place of transit: an art gallery and a space for dialogue and sharing, the hotel exhibits works by Occitan and international artists, inviting the gaze to contemplation.

From the panoramic terrace, the view opens over the rooftops of the Uzège town and the Fenestrelle Tower, the iconic bell tower of the Saint-Théodorit cathedral of Uzès. A privileged vantage point for pilgrims wishing to combine their walk with a spiritual pause before resuming their journey toward Saint-Gilles-du-Gard.

Discover Boutique Hôtel Entraigues in Uzès

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Uzès – Avignon stage on the path of Pope Urban V

To reach Avignon and its Palace of the Popes from Uzès, take the Chemin Urbain V (Anduze – Avignon stage). Accessible via the GR® 63 and 42 trails, it allows you to walk in the footsteps of the Avignon pope, whose successors decided to permanently move the seat to Rome, driven by a hopeful momentum for the reunification of Latin and Orthodox Christianity.

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

Just a few kilometers from Uzès, another monument testifies to the spiritual power of the Middle Ages: the Palace of the Popes in Avignon.

Built in the 14th century, this monumental Gothic-style edifice was the residence of the sovereign pontiffs when the papacy was established in Avignon (1309–1377). As the largest Gothic palace in the world, it symbolizes the religious and political influence of Avignon, the capital of Western Christianity for nearly a century.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palace of the Popes is today one of the most visited monuments in France and remains an essential milestone on the pilgrims' route.

The Via Avenio: toward the light of the South

Take up the road through the Gard to continue your pilgrimage, following the picturesque Via Avenio. It follows ancient routes (GR, PR, local paths, municipal roads) and is part of the network of European pilgrimage routes, the Ways of St. James.

Saint-Gilles Abbey and its church

Upon arriving in the beautiful village of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, walk up to its abbey, which holds a history that is both prestigious and singular.

Founded in the 7th century around the tomb of Saint Gilles, a Greek-born hermit who became one of the most popular saints of medieval Christianity, the abbey quickly became a major pilgrimage destination. In the 11th and 12th centuries, its influence extended throughout the south of France and as far as Catalonia.

Its abbey church, rebuilt in the 12th century, is a masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque art. Its sculpted facade, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the “Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France,” illustrates biblical scenes of great iconographic richness. The building was also the starting point of the First Crusade, preached in 1096.

To this day, the Abbey of Saint-Gilles remains an essential spiritual and heritage stopover for pilgrims and travelers following the ways of St. James. Between Romanesque art, the memory of pilgrimages, and an atmosphere of quiet reflection, it connects the Uzège region to the golden age of medieval Christianity.

Walking through the Uzège: a spiritual journey

Under the gentle sky of an Uzès autumn, walking through the Uzège region becomes an act of searching for meaning and light.
Between religious heritage, natural landscapes, and human encounters, every step brings one closer to an intimate and universal answer.

Lace up your best hiking boots and let yourself be guided: between Uzès, Avignon, and Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, the trail becomes a truly unique experience.