Hermitage and caves in Lirac

Take the Chemin de l’Eyrolle from the centre of the village of Lirac and park in the designated car park.

(S/E) Walk for about a hundred metres until you reach the first fork: admire the painted boundary stone, a magnificent work of art that stands out in this setting.

(1) Turn left and cross the bridge over the Nizon.

(2) Take the track on the right.

(3) Carry straight on at this junction for a gentle climb amidst cedars and oaks. You’ll arrive in front of the Sainte-Baume Chapel and can admire Mont Ventoux.

(4) Take the mule track up the steps to go round the hill on which the chapel stands.

(5) Keep left on the path to continue rounding the hill. Continue left at the next junction and rejoin the path you took on the way there.

(3) Turn right and head back in the opposite direction to the way out.

(2) Turn right, following the signs for the two caves of Cabias and La Figuière, and continue along the wide forest path.

(6) Takethe small path on the left at the “Grotte de Cabias” sign. A short climb leads to this amazing spot.

(7) Head back down the same path to return to the forest track.

(6) Follow it to the left for about a hundred metres.

(8) Turn right, pass under the power lines, then turn left to take the climb leading to the Grotte de la Figuière.

(9) Return to the junction and take the path furthest to the left to climb further up to the electricity pylons. Pass underneath them and admire the view. Then continue alongthe wide path until you reach a forest road.

(10) Take the forest road (very sunny) to the right for over a kilometre. On the ridge, enjoy the views over the vineyards of Tavel and Lirac.

(11)Take a sharp right-hand bend at the solar panel farm and gently descend this path, finally in the shade at the heart of the forest. Pass under the power lines again and reach a crossroads.

(12) Head to the right, skirting a long stretch of vineyard first, then a second.

(13) Ignore the path on the left to finish skirting the vineyard and continue straight on, admiring the view of the chapel, to return to the car park (S/E).

(3) Sainte-Baume Chapel and Hermitage.

(7) Cabias Cave.

(9) La Figuière Cave.

Village of Lirac.