# Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

> commune in Hérault, France

**Wikidata**: [Q499751](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q499751)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saint-guilhem-le-d-sert

## Summary
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a commune in the Hérault department of France, located in the Occitania region. It is recognized as one of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France" and is home to the historic Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert Abbey. The commune is known for its medieval architecture, cultural heritage, and scenic location in the Hérault valley.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Hérault department, Occitania region, France
- **Country**: France
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 43.733888888889, Longitude 3.5497222222222
- **Population (recent)**: Ranges from 190 to 274 (various recorded values over time)
- **Classification**: Commune of France, member of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France" association
- **Notable Site**: Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert Abbey
- **Administrative Region**: Part of the arrondissement of Lodève and Montpellier
- **Founding Context**: Established as a commune under the French municipal system post-1789
- **Website**: [https://www.saint-guilhem-le-desert.com/](https://www.saint-guilhem-le-desert.com/)
- **Aliases**: Verdus-le-Désert
- **Wikipedia Title**: Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
- **Wikidata Description**: Commune in Hérault, France
- **Sitelink Count**: 41

## FAQs

**What is Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert?**  
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a commune in the Hérault department of southern France. It is part of the administrative region of Occitania and is recognized for its historical significance and scenic beauty.

**Where is Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert located?**  
It is located in the Hérault department, within the Occitania region of France. It lies in the valley of the Hérault River, near the arrondissements of Lodève and Montpellier.

**What is it known for?**  
It is known for its inclusion in "The Most Beautiful Villages of France" association, its medieval abbey (Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert Abbey), and its well-preserved historical architecture.

**Is Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert part of any notable organizations or associations?**  
Yes, it is a member of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France," an association founded in 1982 to promote picturesque French villages.

**What is the population of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert?**  
Population figures vary, with recorded values including 260, 257, 264, 253, 249, 229, 274, 236, 190, 245, 243, 265, 245, 243, 244, 243, and 237.

**What is the administrative structure of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert?**  
It is a commune, a standard municipal subdivision in France, and falls under the jurisdiction of the arrondissements of Lodève and Montpellier within the Hérault department.

**What is the historical significance of the commune?**  
The commune is home to the historic Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert Abbey, a major religious and cultural site. It reflects the medieval heritage of the region.

**What is the official website for Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert?**  
The official website is [https://www.saint-guilhem-le-desert.com/](https://www.saint-guilhem-le-desert.com/).

## Why It Matters
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert holds cultural and historical significance as a designated member of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France," an association that promotes the preservation and tourism of France's most scenic communes. The village's inclusion in this group underscores its value as a site of architectural and historical interest. Its abbey, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert Abbey, is a key religious monument that contributes to the region's cultural heritage. The commune also plays a role in regional tourism, offering visitors a window into medieval France through its preserved structures and landscapes.

## Notable For
- **Membership in "The Most Beautiful Villages of France"**: Recognized for its architectural and scenic value since the association's founding in 1982.
- **Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert Abbey**: A historic religious site located within the commune.
- **Historical and Cultural Tourism**: A destination for visitors interested in medieval French history and architecture.
- **Geographic Significance**: Located in the scenic Hérault valley, near the arrondissements of Lodève and Montpellier.
- **Population Stability**: Maintains a small but historically consistent population, with values ranging between 190 and 274.
- **Administrative Classification**: A commune of France, part of the decentralized municipal system established in 1789.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is located in the Hérault department of the Occitania region in southern France. It lies in the Hérault River valley, a region known for its natural beauty and historical significance. The commune is positioned within the administrative boundaries of two arrondissements: Lodève and Montpellier. Its geographic coordinates are approximately latitude 43.7339 and longitude 3.5497.

### Administrative and Legal Classification
As a commune of France, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is part of the municipal system established in 1789. It is classified under the French territorial subdivision for municipalities and operates within the decentralized administrative structure of France. The commune is part of the broader national framework of local governance, with its own mayor and municipal council.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a member of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France," an association founded on March 6, 1982, to promote and preserve France's most picturesque communes. This designation highlights the village's architectural and historical value. The commune is home to the Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert Abbey, a significant religious and cultural site that contributes to its medieval character.

### Demographics and Population Trends
The population of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert has varied over time, with recorded values including 260, 257, 264, 253, 249, 229, 274, 236, 190, 245, 243, 265, 245, 243, 244, 243, and 237. These fluctuations may reflect seasonal or administrative changes, but the commune generally maintains a small, stable population.

### Notable Sites and Landmarks
The Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert Abbey is the commune's most prominent landmark. This abbey is a key historical and religious site, contributing to the commune's cultural identity and appeal. The village itself is characterized by medieval architecture and preserved streetscapes, which support its inclusion in "The Most Beautiful Villages of France."

### Tourism and Regional Role
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert serves as a cultural and tourist destination, drawing visitors interested in medieval history and regional heritage. Its scenic location and preserved architecture make it a popular stop for tourists exploring the Hérault department and Occitania region.

### Digital Presence and Recognition
The commune maintains an official website at [https://www.saint-guilhem-le-desert.com/](https://www.saint-guilhem-le-desert.com/), which provides information to visitors and residents. It is also recognized on Wikipedia and Wikidata, with a sitelink count of 41, indicating its presence in various digital and cultural databases.

### Aliases and Alternate Names
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is also known by the alias "Verdus-le-Désert," reflecting historical or regional naming variations. This alternate name may appear in older documents or local references.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. [Source](http://archives-pierresvives.herault.fr/archive/fonds/FRAD034_261EDT)
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Annuaire de service-public.fr
9. MusicBrainz
10. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
11. Populations légales 2016
12. Populations légales 2017
13. Populations légales 2018
14. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
15. Populations légales 2019
16. Populations légales 2020
17. Populations légales 2021
18. Populations de référence 2022
19. Populations de référence 2023
20. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
21. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=32226)
22. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
23. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
24. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
25. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
26. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File