The Massif de la Gardiole near Gigean is a limestone mountain range that has been classified as a picturesque site since 1980. Renting a holiday apartment in Gigean can be part of planning your trip.
Landscape and Trails
The former Saint-Félix-de-Montceau Abbey stands on the hills of the Gardiole, overlooks the plain and offers views of the Thau lagoon, Sète and the Mediterranean Sea. At 234 metres, the Roc d’Anduze is the highest point of the Massif de la Gardiole. A hiking trail to the Roc d’Anduze begins in Gigean near the Saint-Félix-de-Montceau Abbey.
Culture and History
The former Saint-Félix-de-Montceau Abbey was built or converted for Benedictine nuns. The surviving church of the former abbey was built in the Gothic style towards the end of the 13th century, after the Romanesque chapel had become too small. The ruins of the Saint-Félix-de-Montceau church have been partially protected as a Monument historique by a decree dated 12 February 1925.
The Chapelle des Pénitents in Gigean is a historic building that served the penitential brotherhoods as a place of worship and assembly; it is located in the historic centre of Gigean. The chapel preserves some original elements, including simple vaults, frescoes and votive offerings.
The former Saint-Geniès church in Gigean has medieval origins. Today, it is called Salle Marie de Montpellier and is used for concerts and cultural events. Historically, studying in Gigean was associated both with learning and with passing on knowledge.
Market and Regional Produce
The Marché Traditionnel de Gigean takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 3 January to 26 December 2026. It offers seasonal fruit, garden vegetables, meat and poultry, cheese, dairy products, eggs, bread, honey, jams, oil, wine and craft-brewed beers.
At this market, local producers sell fresh fruit and vegetables as well as local specialities from the terroir of the Thau Archipelago.
