Meeting with Guillaume Soulages

Why is the Saint Guilhem path so special?

The Way of Saint Guilhem (William of Orange), an ancient transhumance and pilgrimage route to Gellone Abbey and its relics of the True Cross, begins in Aumont-Aubrac and descends to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. It covers 240 km through diverse landscapes, from the Aubrac plateau to the Grands Causses, passing through the Tarn and Vis gorges.
This route is unique both for its diverse landscapes and its rich architectural heritage. It's a journey through time and space that will take you from the Massif Central to the Mediterranean coast, from traditional stone huts to olive groves. It's a path where nature, ever-present and wild, will amaze you at every turn!

What are your favorite spots along the way?

They are numerous and each stage has its own specificity. From the point of view of landscapes, the Aubrac plateau, for me Cévenol, is a setting which appeals to me every time I cross it, but there are also the steppes of the Causses Méjean similar to the Mongolian plains, the gorges of the Tarn and its vertiginous cliffs, as well as the gorges of the Jonte, and, of course, the arrival on the balconies of the Cirque de Navacelles, closer to home, which, even knowing it by heart, always has the same effect on me.
It finally leads us to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert through the old gate of the giant's castle, which looks like it came straight out of a heroic fantasy novel.
Other favorites include, in no particular order, the iconic aligot sausage, the Buffre cross and its six-fingered figure, the Pilgrims' Bridge in Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac, the massive Domerie d'Aubrac, the mysterious Sainte-Enimie, the Valley of Happiness of course, not forgetting the Cirque de l'Infernet…

What advice do you have for people who would like to do it?

My first piece of advice would be to plan your route well in advance and book your accommodations according to the stages you wish to complete. This is very important these days, as there are more and more people seeking out wild spaces and accommodations fill up quickly.
Prefer the off-season if you can, in order to avoid the hot periods of July and August: from Le Vigan onwards, the days can be scorching and the last few kilometers intense.
Don't underestimate Saint Guilhem: it is accessible to all but its rugged topography makes it a challenging hike.

If you have the time, some sites along the Way of Saint Guilhem are worth a visit; I'm thinking of the Déroc waterfall in Nasbinals, the Mont Aigoual observatory between Camprieu and L'Espérou, and the Moulin de la Foux near Navacelles.
Finally, if you need a break from your daily routine, to reconnect with what's essential while taking care of your mind and body, or simply to discover new territories, don't hesitate to try this 12-day human adventure on one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking routes in France!