The walk takes you to the hermitage of Notre-Dame de Vie at an altitude of 668 meters. Above the beautifully restored chapel is a cave that you can reach along a path that is secured with a steel cable. Sacrifices were made in the cave before 1060 until a Christian had the hermitage built to chase the Gentiles away. In the cave you have a stunning view of the valley of the Têt and the mountains of the Conflent.
Distance: 3 km.
Time: 2h00.
Grade: Easy.
Type: Back and forth.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed.
Height gain: 269 meters.
Trail: 100% unpaved.
Marking: See PDF route description.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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Unique panorama.
The beginning of the path is on a column next to the road. You quickly gain height and can quickly take advantage of the unique panorama of the surrounding villages, orchards and the Canigou massif. The path eventually ends at the hermitage. Behind the hermitage there is another path to the cave above the chapel. To reach the cave, some climbing is required without it becoming really dangerous. You return to the starting point via the same route.
Download PDF for route description.
People with a fear of heights are advised not to go to the cave.
POI 1 - Hermitage of Notre-Dame de Vie.
Every year, a Easter procession is organized from Villefranche-de-Conflent. At the head of the procession, the Pope of Conflent led the faithful to the chapel for decades. After the slow climb of the endless caravan, a mass is celebrated under the huge veranda of the cave above the hermitage, and the traditional Easter blessing is proclaimed. The Villefranche cultural association has restored the building. To visit the chapel, you can request the key at the association.
No additional information.
