Saint-Guilhelm

By the third excursion, we were becoming more familiar with Southern France and we continued to learn more by exploring the village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Here we went as a group and investigated the small villa which was teaming with gardens, townsfolk, and small boutique shops. We ascended and entered the  UNESCO recognized World heritage site, Abbaye de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, also known as Abbaye de Gellone, which is a church dating back to 9th century. This church specifically was dedicated to the cousin of Charlemagne, who renounced his military career from the life of a monk and became a saint. It like other churches in Southern France has Roman-Gothic architecture and even has Roman ruins under its foundation. After visiting the site, the routine was switched as the group enjoyed swimming and canoeing down a local river, which was a very relaxing and quiet experience that allowed myself and my classmates to take in the beauty of the land.

The exterior of Abbaye de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

Homes in  Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

The Citadel group with other ILP students at the river bank

Roman ruins underneath Abbaye de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

Dr. Strobbe and I canoeing down the river