Saint-André Chapel and Orris Caves

A hike off the beaten track to discover an almost forgotten chapel perched among the rocks and caves carved out by nature under huge dolomitic rocks.
Please note that the first half of the route sometimes follows small, very rocky paths that are not marked on maps. It's quite a steep climb up and down!

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.53 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 440 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 438 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 648 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 385 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the heart of the hamlet of Les Molières, which can be reached by taking the road (Chemin des Molières) that climbs behind the stadium (police station and supermarket) in La Roquebrussanne. The car park near the Chapelle Saint-Louis is not very large.

(S/E) Walk north up the main street, passing in front of the chapel, until you reach a perpendicular road. Then turn left onto the Piste de Saint-Louis (Chemin des Ribas). This road winds between properties, climbs up on the left in hairpin bends, then descends on the other side of the pass towards the west. It becomes paved again.
Further on, it crosses a holiday village (Les Arbousiers) and descends southwards.

(1) At the fork, take the road on the right, leaving a road on the left.

(2) At the next crossroads (wooden barriers on the right and climb towards Notre-Dame), take the track on the right, behind the oratory, which heads due north. Further on, it passes in front of the Source de la Vierge (on your right). At the next fork, leave the track that climbs to the right and take the path that descends to the left, crosses a stream and then joins a large track. Take this track, continuing north (i.e. to the right).

(3) At the next crossroads (sign for "Lili" on a tree), take the path opposite (do not continue along the marked track on the right, you will come back to it later). A little further on, it passes between a dry stone wall (on the left) and a property (on the right), then turns left when you reach a blue "private property" sign. Please respect the properties and owners (signs).

The path narrows and climbs north-west through the forest. Look out for the tracks on the ground, cairns and green markings, some of which are faded on the climb. The path is narrow, very stony and a little slippery in wet weather.
You will eventually reach the chapel, perched on a ledge between the cliff and the void. Please respect the site and its memory.

Note that the path continues to climb behind the chapel, but this is not the destination of our outing, as we must descend via the same route to the large orange-marked trail (passing between the house and the dry stone wall below).

(3) Back at the crossroads (signposted "Lili"), continue left (east then north-east) on the orange-marked track for a while.

(4) Stop following the orange markings (which go to the right) and continue straight ahead on the track. In fact, ignore all the paths that branch off to the right and left.

Our path gradually narrows, and you can tell that it is less frequented. It quickly climbs and becomes very rocky. This sometimes requires you to lift your knees high and put your walking sticks aside to hold on to rocks and branches. But it's not rock climbing at all! You just have to be a little careful, and not everyone can come here. We progress slowly but surely.

There are no markings, but there is only one path that climbs up to the rocks and then runs along the base of them towards the north (never go around the rocks on the right). Right at the foot of the cliff, we come across our first cavities, which are not very large (maximum height 1 metre). At this point, the path veers slightly to the left, descending a little before continuing its ascent.

(5) A first cave (rock shelter 10m deep). Continue a little further and between two rocks on the right, a passage leads to a much larger cave lined with limestone formations.

The trail continues to climb until it reaches the road that goes up to the top of La Loube. Walk along this road, climbing to the right. 130m after the hairpin bend, at a slight curve, leave the road and take the trail marked with yellow dots on the right, which winds its way between the dolomitic rocks. The descent is steep and very rocky at the beginning: take great care! Sit on your backside if necessary and do not walk in single file!

(6) Follow this yellow-marked trail, which heads south until it joins a slightly larger south-north trail. Take the latter northwards, turning left. Now the difficult part is behind you, as the rest of the route is easy.

Continue north on this path, passing some springs on your left ("Trois Fontaines" on the IGN map).

(7) Continue to the middle of the open area (on your right) and take the track heading first east and then south. At the next crossroads, leave the track that goes right towards the south and continue east. Immediately after, at the next fork, take the track on the left that goes north-east (az. 50°). The trail descends to a clearing. At a hairpin bend to the left, leave this track and continue in the same direction, turning right.

(8) The path then disappears momentarily in an open area, but you will quickly find it again by heading north-east towards a small dry stone shelter (it is behind it). You will then enter the Vallon du Cendrier, which you descend heading due south. You will come to a tarmac road and a few houses on the left.

(9) At a crossroads with tracks, turn right onto Chemin de la Source du Paradis. The track descends and continues westwards. You will pass a few properties and enter the hamlet of Les Molières. The track turns into a tarmac road and you will come to the crossroads you took at the start of the walk (signs for "Piste de Saint-Louis, Chemin des Ribas"). Turn left to return to the car park in the centre of the hamlet (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 408 m - Saint-Louis Chapel
  2. 1 : km 2.13 - alt. 405 m - Signs and fire hydrants on the right
  3. 2 : km 2.38 - alt. 398 m - Oratory and olive tree in the centre
  4. 3 : km 3.01 - alt. 393 m - Return trip to the chapel
  5. 4 : km 4.85 - alt. 415 m - Leave the orange markings and continue straight ahead
  6. 5 : km 5.63 - alt. 545 m - To the left under the rocks
  7. 6 : km 6.45 - alt. 573 m - Flat and slightly open area, turn right
  8. 7 : km 7.52 - alt. 586 m - Once you reach open ground, take the track heading east
  9. 8 : km 9.01 - alt. 550 m - Continue to the small shelter 100 metres ahead
  10. 9 : km 11.55 - alt. 414 m - Path from the Source du Paradis on the right
  11. S/E : km 12.53 - alt. 408 m - Return to the centre of the hamlet, Chapelle Saint-Louis

Notes

As the route is not very well marked and not all the paths are shown on IGN maps, it is best to use a GPS and load the GPX file for this hike, as it is based on a recording I made myself. If you do not have a GPS, a map of the area and (at least) a compass will be very helpful.

Please respect private property and the environment.
Walking sticks can help you keep your balance. But in some places, don't hesitate to put them aside and hold on to rocks and branches in the tricky parts of the descents and ascents.

Please note: the narrow paths taken in the first half of the route can be quite tricky in wet, icy or snowy conditions!

Worth a visit

You can climb up to the Notre-Dame chapel, which is located slightly north of the village: you will pass the start of the path leading there in the first part of this hike. The site is pleasant and offers a beautiful view of the countryside.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 14 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.2 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Aquariel
Aquariel

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike! We loved everything: the physical challenge, finding the route, the unique landscape, Saint André Chapel (my second successful attempt after searching for it a few years ago) and, of course, the caves.
We also found a small double arch on our left as we descended before point 6.
Also worth noting:
- the sign marked "Lili" has disappeared. There is now a fluorescent pink dot in its place.
- The entrance to the climb up to the chapel is marked by an old "private property" sign that has been completely repainted white with a handwritten word: "chapel" and a directional arrow.
- The cave of the 400 sheep is on the right after passing under a thin, curved tree marked with a fluorescent pink dot (photo).

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genevi83
genevi83

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

i couldn't do it as described, but I could see everything
The lookout at the top of La Loube offers a breathtaking 360° view.
One of the caves is really very large.
The picturesque rocks look like they've been sculpted (everyone can let their imagination run wild).
We came back down via a path that led us to the Oris spring, then we headed home.
thank you for this trip, I thoroughly enjoyed it

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madi83
madi83

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 06, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful route, a little demanding in places in terms of physical fitness, but well worth the effort. The dolomitic landscape offers spectacular rocky peaks on the slopes of the Loube, and the caves, varying in size, are also interesting.
The use of GPS is essential as some of the trails are rarely used and difficult to find.

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stefaix
stefaix

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 16, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike that is somewhat physically demanding but not particularly difficult. Superb scenery and lots to see, including caves, rocks and a chapel. Above the chapel, you can climb up to the ruins of an oppidum, but you will need to use your hands and feet

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APM#83
APM#83

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 26, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike that is a bit physically demanding but not particularly difficult. Stunning scenery and lots to admire, including caves, rock formations of all shapes and sizes, and a chapel with a moving memorial to a young man who passed away. Good description, GPS or Visorando app essential. I highly recommend this beautiful hike.

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d0m74
d0m74

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 07, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A beautiful hike, very pleasant and varied, sometimes challenging but without any major difficulties.
The description is very accurate and reliable, but I agree with the previous comment: at point 6, a small path leads us to point 7 without the detour (descent/ascent) indicated on the map. That said, the GPS was sometimes useful, especially for finding the path to the chapel.
Thank you for this beautiful route!

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phildaix
phildaix

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 19, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A magnificent hike with breathtaking rocks, panoramic views and beautiful woodland.

I wanted to do it without a GPS ; and we got there, except that I missed the chapel after passing the blue private property sign and following the same path without taking the small trails that sometimes branch off to the right. I didn't see the promised markings or cairns... and I continued on to the road that ends after WP5.
Note that at WP6, the main path continues and avoids the detour to the south indicated in the guidebook (why this detour?).

Otherwise, the description is very reliable, but once again the map omits many paths.

Thank you for this beautiful hike.

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Rainbow83
Rainbow83

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 18, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful hike, but I think a GPS is essential.

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Delphine DE LUCA
Delphine DE LUCA

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 31, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A lovely circular to which we have added the short climb to the Chapel of Inspiration, which is well worth the detour.

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henri57
henri57 ★

Hello,

Thank you for your comment.

You noted:

Reliability of the description: Average

Did you have any problems with the description? If so, how can we improve it?

Reliability of the map route: Average

Did you follow the route with a GPS or GPS application?
Did you deviate from the route of the hike?

A+

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bert1965
bert1965

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 30, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

For access to the chapel. Please note that after the property, the path splits into three.
The one furthest to the left is not the right one

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Vrecous
Vrecous

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 13, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very pleasant and varied hike.
-The chapel tucked away in the hillside is surprising, a reminder of a rich past. (Watch out for the vaulted ceiling...) Fluorescent pink markers help you find the path to the chapel, particularly at the fork to the left after the "Lili" sign and the passage between the property and the stone wall.
-The passage at the bottom of the walls where the caves are located on the small path is very pleasant and physical.
-The arrival at the top, with all the dolomitic blocks in which you can imagine faces, is also very beautiful.

The description is detailed and accurate, but a GPS is still necessary given the many possible turn-offs.
Thank you.

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manissieux
manissieux

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 10, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A pleasant warm-up for this hike
A moving "chapel" in memory of a young man...
The hike is not difficult, you just have to follow the author's advice carefully, in particular never to go around the foot of La Loube on the right but always on the left if in doubt.
The descent requires walking sticks for greater safety and comfort.
Lovely view at the top
Thanks to the author!

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villaretto
villaretto

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 08, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average

We didn't find the caves, but then again, maybe we weren't having a good day, and the descent is quite
difficult to find because it's not marked in either direction.
Otherwise, everything else was fine

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manissieux
manissieux

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 10, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A nice hike, fairly easy to moderate, as only one climb and one descent are a bit challenging
But I agree that not everyone can do it. It's not a walk in the park
When it comes to the caves, follow the signs or your GPS
Beautiful scenery all along the way
Thanks to the author

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