Vis de Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, Medieval helical staircase in Saint-Gilles, France
The Vis de Saint-Gilles-du-Gard is a medieval stone helical staircase that winds through the northern transept wall of the Abbey of Saint-Gilles. The structure displays intricate vaulted construction techniques and connects multiple levels within the building.
The helical staircase dates to the 12th century and survived the Protestant destruction of the abbey between 1562 and 1622, while other parts of the building were destroyed. This makes it a rare example of medieval craftsmanship that endured through this turbulent period.
Stone masons traditionally visited this staircase as part of their professional journey, leaving marks on the walls that date back centuries. These inscriptions show how craftspeople considered this place important to their skill-building across generations.
The staircase is accessible through the abbey and can be visited from April to October, with seasonal variations in opening times. The stairwell can be narrow and steep, so visitors should wear appropriate clothing and footwear with good grip.
Each stone in the staircase follows specific geometric principles and required precise cutting with concave and convex surfaces for perfect alignment. This highly specialized stonework reveals the technical mastery that 12th-century builders possessed.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
