The Ways of St Jacques de Compostelle, whose historical heritage is among the most impressive and the most remarkable of all mankind, are firmly rooted in the 21st century.
Marie Guerra, Présidente de la Fédération Françaiqse des Associations des Chemins de Saint Jacques de Compostelle.
Traduction anglais Lorna Slinger
Traduction italien Eleonora Berti |
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european institute of cultural routes |
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| Michel Thomas-Penette |
| 05 September 2009 |
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Their development involves many people throughout the regions concerned and creates synergies which are to be supported and consolidated.
The commune of Saint Gilles in Gard, France, is one example of the realisation of the importance of preserving and cultivating this major heritage, representative of European values. Moreover, it has found an invaluable way of implementing a cultural tourism strategy which brings together developed land, traditions, locally-made products, the craft industry and wine-growing, producing good prospects for partnership and for the economy. This is a positive sign for the commune at a time when it is searching to renew itself, with an acknowledged need for an improvement in the quality of life.
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The “Maison des pèlerins� (House of Pilgrims), inaugurated on Sunday 31st August during the festivals of Saint Gilles, is the physical realisation of this political vision. The project, managed by elected representatives and the Saint Jacques association, is the result of a real process of local development. The gîte, with 18 beds and disabled access, is situated close to the abbey-church. The work done by the local organisation was fantastic. The whole town has come together to affirm its values of hospitality by providing this establishment to welcome the walkers and pilgrims of the Way of Arles. This was done with the aid of the French Federation of Associations of the Ways of Saint Jacques de Compostelle (FFACC), delighted to support such initiatives.
A pilgrimage town, the commune has since become interested in another saint, “Gilles, the hermit with the deer�, to whom it owes its name, along with 200 other communes in Europe. This discovery prompted interest and enthusiasm in the subject and stimulated ideas for finding out more about this other major heritage.
The monastery of Saint Gilles du Grad is also member of Cluniac Sites Network, part of the Cultural Route programme of the Cuincil of Europe.
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