Hotel in Saint-Gilles, Gard (near the Camargue), Occitanie, Occitanie
Hôtel du Moulin de Mourgues, Saint-Gilles
A charming 3-star hotel in a converted watermill outside Saint-Gilles in the Gard, with rustic-style rooms, a lovely pool in the mill courtyard, and easy access to the Camargue, Nîmes, and Montpellier. A peaceful rural retreat at mid-range prices.
The Hôtel du Moulin de Mourgues is a charming 3-star hotel in a beautifully converted 19th-century watermill on the Route de Bellegarde outside Saint-Gilles, in the Gard department of Occitanie. Saint-Gilles is a town of considerable historical significance — its Abbatiale de Saint-Gilles is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela and features a celebrated three-portal Romanesque façade considered one of the masterpieces of 12th-century Provençal sculpture. The hotel's rural mill setting provides an atmosphere of tranquillity unusual for a property with such easy access to the major attractions of the region.
The converted mill building retains its original stone walls and timber beams, creating a warmly rustic atmosphere while interior refurbishment has introduced contemporary comforts including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and modern bathrooms in each room. An outdoor swimming pool in the mill courtyard is the centrepiece of the summer experience, surrounded by the shade of mature trees and the gentle sound of the mill stream. A restaurant serves meals emphasising seasonal and regional produce from the Gard and the Camargue — including Camargue rice, gardian beef from the region's famous cattle herds, and fresh fish from the nearby coastal étangs. A private garden provides a peaceful setting for morning breakfast.
The Moulin de Mourgues is an outstanding base for exploring the western Camargue and its celebrated landscapes: the white horses, black bulls, and greater flamingos of the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue are within 30 km. The city of Nîmes — with its 1st-century Roman amphitheatre, the Maison Carrée temple, and contemporary art at the Carré d'Art — is 20 minutes by car. The Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, one of the most extraordinary surviving monuments of the ancient world, is 35 km to the north. Free private parking and the outdoor pool make the hotel particularly popular with motorists touring the Occitanie interior and coast.
Amenities
- pool
- wifi
- restaurant
- parking
- garden
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +33 4 66 87 44 83
Location
Route de Bellegarde, 30800 Saint-Gilles, France
43.6793, 4.4325 — View on map
Highlights
- Converted 19th-century watermill with original stone walls, timber beams, and mill stream
- Outdoor pool in the tranquil mill courtyard surrounded by mature trees
- Restaurant serving seasonal Gard and Camargue regional cuisine
- Ideal gateway to the Camargue Natural Park, Roman Nîmes, and the Pont du Gard
- Free private parking and peaceful rural setting 20 minutes from Nîmes
Tips
- Arrive by 18:00 if planning to dine at the mill restaurant in summer — evening tables book quickly
- Combine a stay with a sunrise visit to the Étang de Vaccarès in the Camargue for flamingo sightings — the spectacle is best between March and July
- The Pont du Gard aqueduct is 35 km from Saint-Gilles and most impressive in the morning light before coach groups arrive; parking charges apply
- Saint-Gilles's Wednesday and Saturday morning markets feature Camargue produce, gardians sausage, and locally grown Camargue rice
- Free parking at the hotel is a practical advantage over city-centre stays in Nîmes or Montpellier
FAQ
How far is the hotel from Nîmes?
Nîmes is approximately 20 km north of Saint-Gilles and easily reached by car in 20–25 minutes. Regular bus services also connect Saint-Gilles to Nîmes.
Is the hotel near the Camargue?
Yes, the western edge of the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue begins just south of Saint-Gilles. The Étang de Vaccarès nature reserve — famous for flamingos, white horses, and black Camargue bulls — is approximately 30 km from the hotel.
Is there a restaurant at the hotel?
Yes, the hotel operates a restaurant serving seasonal French and regional cuisine, with an emphasis on local Gard and Camargue produce including Camargue rice, gardian beef, and fresh fish from the nearby coastal étangs.
Is free parking available?
Yes, the hotel provides free private parking for guests, which is a notable advantage given the rural setting and the lack of practical public transport connections to the property.
What is the best season to visit?
The outdoor pool and garden are at their best from May through September. Spring (April–June) is ideal for Camargue wildlife watching and comfortable sightseeing temperatures before the intense summer heat. The hotel is open year-round.
Accessibility
The hotel is set in a converted mill with some variation in floor levels and possible threshold steps between the courtyard areas and rooms. Guests with wheelchair or mobility requirements should contact the property before booking to confirm room suitability and access to the pool and dining areas.