A day trip to Saint-Gilles:

Morning: explore the Abbey Church of Saint-Gilles

You simply cannot visit Saint-Gilles without starting with its most iconic monument: the Abbey Church of Saint-Gilles.

Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, this former Benedictine abbey is regarded as one of the finest masterpieces of Romanesque art in Provence and Occitanie. Its monumental façade, of exceptional finesse, is adorned with sculptures depicting scenes from the Bible, making it a veritable book carved in stone.

The abbey church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. For centuries, pilgrims and travellers have stopped here to admire its architecture and pay their respects in its famous crypt, which houses the tomb of Saint Gilles, one of the most venerated saints of the Middle Ages.

Do also take the time to visit: the nave with its impressive height, the medieval crypt, the remains of the former monastery, the cloister and the historic areas when they are open to the public.

Allow around 1 hour 30 minutes to fully appreciate this exceptional monument.

Stroll through the historic centre

After visiting the abbey church, let yourself be led through the narrow streets of the old town.

Saint-Gilles has retained its southern character with its light-coloured stone façades, shaded squares, small shops and lively cafés.

As you stroll through the town, discover: the old houses in the historic centre, the typical Provençal squares, the shops selling local produce and crafts, and the canal banks, which are lovely for a stroll.

This peaceful atmosphere invites you to take the time to enjoy life, far from the major tourist attractions.

A Mediterranean-inspired lunch :

For lunch, take a seat on a terrace in the town centre and enjoy hearty cuisine inspired by Provence and the Camargue.

A Mediterranean-inspired lunch

After visiting the abbey church, treat yourself to a gourmet break at one of Saint-Gilles’ restaurants. The town offers several excellent restaurants where you can sample cuisine inspired by Provence and the Camargue.

L’Atelier des Halles: Undoubtedly the finest restaurant in Saint-Gilles. This establishment is renowned for its refined cuisine, prepared using fresh, seasonal produce. The dishes are creative whilst showcasing the flavours of the Gard region. This is the restaurant I would recommend above all others for lunch during your visit.
Le Jardin Secret: Located just a few minutes from the historic centre, this restaurant charms with its elegant setting and pleasant, shaded terrace. The French cuisine is generous, with a strong emphasis on Mediterranean produce and regional specialities. An excellent spot for a peaceful lunch.

La Restanque: Situated along the canal, this restaurant offers a friendly atmosphere and a lovely terrace overlooking the quays. It serves traditional Provençal cuisine, ideal for discovering local produce in a typically southern setting.

Depending on the season, you can enjoy: a Camargue AOP bull stew (gardianne), a fillet of Mediterranean fish, sun-ripened vegetables, a fougasse or homemade tapenade, and a dessert made with seasonal fruit. A wonderful opportunity to discover local specialities in a friendly atmosphere.

Afternoon: the harbour and the Rhône Canal in Sète

In the afternoon, head to the marina and the banks of the Rhône Canal in Sète, which runs through Saint-Gilles. Once an important river port, the town retains a strong connection to the water. Today, the canal welcomes boaters, cyclists and walkers in a peaceful, leafy setting. This stroll offers views of: tourist barges, pleasure boats, historic quays and the typical landscapes of the Petite Camargue. Photography enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the reflections of the monuments on the water and the light so characteristic of the south.

Extend your exploration: an aperitif or dinner in an exceptional setting.

After a day spent exploring the heritage of Saint-Gilles and the landscapes of the Petite Camargue, round off your getaway with a gourmet evening. Just a few minutes from Saint-Gilles, two lovely venues offer a unique experience, combining charm, fine dining and the good life.

A sunset aperitif at Les Cabanettes: For a timeless escape, head to Les Cabanettes, an iconic spot situated between Arles and Saint-Gilles. This establishment, with its unique architectural style, offers a distinctive setting that blends a reimagined 1960s motel vibe with contemporary elegance and a Camargue atmosphere.

Dinner by the water at La Halte Nautique: situated at the Bellegarde marina, just a few minutes from Saint-Gilles. Its setting by the canal, its terrace and its cuisine inspired by French and Mediterranean traditions make it a pleasant stop after a day of exploring. People come here to savour fresh produce, fish depending on the day’s catch, and regional specialities, whilst enjoying a peaceful evening by the water. A lovely spot for a romantic dinner or a convivial family evening. La Halte Nautique.

A gateway to the Camargue

Saint-Gilles is also an excellent starting point for exploring the Camargue. Just a few kilometres away, you can visit: the marshes and reed beds, the Camargue bull and horse farms, the walking trails, and the protected nature reserves home to flamingos, herons and numerous species of birds. This blend of historical heritage and nature is what gives the destination its unique charm.

Recommended itinerary: Saint-Gilles in a day

9.30 am – Visit the Abbey Church of Saint-Gilles and its crypt

11.15 am – Stroll through the historic centre

12.30 pm – Lunch in the town centre

2.30 pm – Walk along the Rhône Canal in Sète and the marina

4.00 pm – Explore the shops selling regional specialities or enjoy a gourmet break on a terrace

5.00 pm – Set off for the landscapes of the Camargue or return to the Domaine des Clos

Why visit Saint-Gilles during your stay at the Domaine des Clos?

Located less than half an hour from the Domaine des Clos, Saint-Gilles is an ideal destination for a cultural excursion.

Here you will discover:

one of the finest Romanesque abbey churches in France
a UNESCO World Heritage Site
an authentic town with a rich medieval history
the gateway to the Camargue and its unspoilt landscapes
This getaway fits perfectly into a holiday in Provence, between Arles, the Alpilles, the Camargue and the charming villages. It will appeal equally to history buffs and lovers of heritage, nature and the Provençal way of life.

A unique textile heritage in Provence

For over two centuries, Souleiado has been helping to preserve Provence’s textile heritage. The museum invites visitors to discover the history of the famous ‘Indiennes’ – those colourful cotton fabrics printed with floral patterns that have defined Provence’s identity since the 17th century. The collections showcase thousands of printing blocks, traditional costumes, patchwork pieces, fashion designs and numerous examples of Provençal art.

A tour through the heart of the former Souleiado workshops

One of the museum’s distinctive features is its location within the former factory itself. Visitors can explore the historic workshops where the famous Provençal cotton fabrics were printed. The printing workshop, preserved in its original state, offers an insight into the artisanal techniques that have brought Souleiado international renown.

The modern exhibition design takes visitors on a journey through time, exploring ancestral craftsmanship, textile design and Provençal traditions.

An ideal visit during a stay at the Domaine des Clos

Staying at the Domaine des Clos also means setting out to discover the cultural treasures of Provence. Located about a 20-minute drive away, the Souleiado Museum is an excellent choice for a half-day outing.

You can easily round off your visit with a stroll through Tarascon’s historic centre, a tour of King René’s Castle, or even lunch at one of the town’s restaurants.

Why visit the Souleiado Museum?

The museum will appeal to: enthusiasts of Provençal history, lovers of textiles, fashion and design, families wishing to discover a living heritage, and visitors looking for cultural activities around Arles, the Alpilles and the Camargue.

The Souleiado archives have, in fact, inspired leading fashion designers such as Christian Lacroix, Chantal Thomass and Alessandro Michele for Gucci, testifying to the international influence of this Provençal heritage.

Practical information :

The museum is situated at 39 Rue Charles Deméry in Tarascon and is open to visitors from April to October. Self-guided tours and guided tours (by booking) are available, as well as workshops on textile printing.

The Souleiado Museum of Provençal Textiles is an ideal day trip to discover another side of Provence. Combining traditions, exceptional craftsmanship and cultural heritage, this visit perfectly complements a holiday spent exploring the Alpilles, the Camargue and Arles.

Recommended itinerary: Tarascon in a day

9.30 am – Visit to Tarascon Castle (1 hour 30 minutes)

11.15 am – Stroll through the historic centre and explore Sainte-Marthe Church

12.30 pm – Lunch on a terrace in the town centre. We recommand you

• Le Bistrot des Anges
• Tailles de Bon
• la Table du Roi René

2.30 pm – Visit to the Souleiado Provençal Textile Museum

4.30 pm – Shopping in the Provençal speciality shops or discovering local craftspeople

5.30 pm – A stroll along the banks of the Rhône and a view of the castle at sunset

6.30 pm – Return to the Domaine des Clos to enjoy the swimming pool, the garden or dinner in the surrounding area.

Why visit Tarascon?

To explore one of Provence’s most beautiful medieval castles.
Explore the famous Souleiado Museum of Provençal Textiles.
Stroll through an authentic town steeped in history.
Enjoy a cultural destination just a few minutes from the Domaine des Clos.
Experience a day combining heritage, craftsmanship, gastronomy and the Provençal way of life.

Its imposing walls, richly restored rooms, panoramic terraces and fascinating history offer a glimpse into medieval Provence. From the ramparts, the view over the Rhône, Beaucaire and the surrounding countryside is remarkable. Allow around 1 hour 30 minutes to make the most of your visit. Stroll through the historic centre

After visiting the castle, take the time to wander through the narrow streets of the old town.

You’ll discover:

17th- and 18th-century mansions;
small, shaded squares typical of Provence;
shops selling crafts and local produce;
the colourful façades that give Tarascon its unique charm.
Don’t miss the Church of Sainte-Marthe, dedicated to the saint who, according to legend, defeated the famous Tarasque, a mythical creature that has become the town’s emblem.

Lunch on a Provençal terrace. For lunch, take a seat on a terrace in the town centre and enjoy some Provençal cuisine. Depending on the season, you can enjoy: a Camargue bull stew (gardianne), sun-ripened vegetables, a Provençal stew, or specialities made with local olive oil. It’s the perfect opportunity to fully savour the Provençal way of life.

The 17th- and 18th-century townhouses of Beaucaire: a journey through the town’s golden age

When people think of Beaucaire, they often picture its medieval castle or its famous canal. Yet one of the town’s finest treasures is revealed whilst strolling through its narrow streets: its 17th- and 18th-century mansions, true testaments to the town’s golden age.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Domaine des Clos, these prestigious mansions tell the story of a time when Beaucaire was one of Europe’s leading commercial centres, thanks to the famous Foire de la Madeleine. For visitors seeking heritage, architecture and history, this walk is an unmissable highlight of any trip to the region spanning Provence, the Camargue and Occitanie.

Why does Beaucaire have so many private mansions?

In the 17th century, Beaucaire enjoyed exceptional prosperity. Its privileged location on the banks of the Rhône made it a crossroads between the Mediterranean, Languedoc and the Rhône Valley.

Every summer, the Foire de la Madeleine attracted thousands of merchants from all over Europe. For just a few days, the volume of trade reached levels comparable to those seen in the major Mediterranean ports.

This wealth profoundly transformed the town. Merchants, shipowners, magistrates and royal officers sought to display their success by commissioning elegant townhouses modelled on the grand residences of Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Montpellier.

Even today, Beaucaire boasts one of the most remarkable collections of 17th- and 18th-century civil architecture in Occitanie.

How can you recognise a townhouse?

Unlike a simple inn for travellers, a townhouse is an urban residence built for a wealthy family.

In Beaucaire, these residences have several distinctive features:

an imposing carriage entrance;
an inner courtyard providing access for carriages;
a monumental staircase;
richly decorated façades;
wrought-ironwork crafted by the finest artisans;
sometimes a garden hidden behind the buildings.Looking up, visitors will also discover carved mascarons, pediments, wrought-iron balconies and numerous decorations inspired by mythology or the seasons.

The Hôtel de Boschet: 18th-century prestige

Among the finest private mansions in Beaucaire is the Hôtel de Boschet.

Built in 1734 by the architect Jean-Baptiste Franque, it was commissioned by Pierre de Boschet, a cavalry officer. During the Foire de la Madeleine, it even hosted the Intendant of Languedoc, the king’s representative.

Its classical façade, spacious courtyard and ancient cellars bear witness to Beaucaire’s economic importance in the 18th century.

The Hôtel de Clausonnette: unique architecture. You simply cannot miss the Hôtel de Clausonnette.Behind its carved gateway lies an elegant inner courtyard dominated by a striking turret topped with a pagoda-shaped roof, a rarity in the region. The sculptures depicting the four seasons, the wrought-ironwork and the classical décor perfectly illustrate the architectural refinement of this period.

The Hôtel de Linage : Built from 1742 onwards, the Hôtel de Linage belonged to Pierre de Linage, controller of the salt storehouse.This residence captivates with its balanced proportions, wrought-iron balconies and finely carved mascarons.

Like many of Beaucaire’s townhouses, it is attributed to Jean-Baptiste Franque, an architect who had a significant influence on the town’s urban planning.

An ideal stroll through the historic centre

Exploring the townhouses is one of the most delightful walks you can take in Beaucaire’s old town.

In just a few streets, visitors pass by majestic gateways, 17th-century façades, old merchants’ houses, shaded squares and the banks of the Rhône.

Each building tells a part of the town’s commercial history.

An unmissable visit during a stay at the Domaine des Clos

After a morning spent visiting the mansions, travellers can continue their exploration with:

the medieval castle of Beaucaire;
Saint-Roman Abbey;
the marina;
the Rhône–Sète Canal;
Tarascon, situated directly opposite, on the other side of the Rhône.
This proximity makes it easy to alternate between cultural explorations, cycle rides, Provençal markets and moments of relaxation at the Domaine des Clos.

Why visit Beaucaire?
Choosing Beaucaire means discovering a destination still unspoilt by mass tourism.

The town offers:
an exceptional heritage;
remarkably well-preserved mansions;
an authentic historic centre;
Provençal restaurants;
an ideal location between Arles, Nîmes, Avignon and the Alpilles.
For lovers of history, architecture or simply lovely walks, Beaucaire is an excellent choice for a day trip whilst staying in Provence.

Staying at the Domaine des Clos to explore Beaucaire

Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast or simply curious to discover a little-known heritage, Beaucaire’s mansions are well worth a thorough visit.