L'Ermitage de Collias (Collias hermitage)

Family outing visiting the beautiful site of Collias Hermitage.

Technical sheet

70548
Creation:
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Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.49 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 187 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 189 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 181 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 24 m

Photos

Description of the walk

In Collias, park your car in the paid parking between the bakery and the André Clément hall.

Yellow waymark

(S) Exit the car park, turn right and follow 'l'avenue du pont', cross the bridge, then take the first street to the left (Chemin de Saint Privat), heading towards the Hermitage and 'Ron de Fabre'.
The paved road will follow the Gardon River for a while, leading you to a sign indicating 'Ron de Fabre'. When arriving at this crossing, take the dirt track to the left of the tavern heading towards the hermitage and Cantadu. This track will later turn into an paved road leading to a crossing. Turn right on the Hermitage path (chemin de l'Ermitage), 20 m further, a stoned cross marks the Cantadu crossing.

(1) Continue straight ahead to the Hermitage, don't follow the track to the right (this will be the way back). The track will steadily wind through holm oaks and boxwoods, in the hermitage's valley and crosses the dry streambed several times.
Once you get to the foot of the hermitage, forget the path that goes left (not marked on the map), keep going right, heading to the hermitage (2) after climbing a few stone steps.

At the top of the site, the track will turn left through the rocks towards Cabrières and Le Grand Serre. Go passed another stone cross, then, 300 meters higher the trail leads to a track marked 'Le Grand Serre' .

(3) Take the track to the right leading to Collias and Contadu, continue on the main path with yellow waymarks paying no attention to all the little trails forming on either side. The path will wind uphill, then slowly downhill reaching a T crossing. Turn right to get back to the Cantadu stone cross.

(1) Turn left, then left again 50 m further on the Saint-Privat path. Take the same route as when you started to gain the car park.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 46 m - Espace André Clément car park - Le Gardon
  2. 1 : km 1.32 - alt. 38 m - Cantadu crossroads, straight on
  3. 2 : km 2.91 - alt. 105 m - Ermitage de Collias
  4. 3 : km 3.25 - alt. 180 m - Le Grand Serre, turn right
  5. S/E : km 6.49 - alt. 46 m - Espace André Clément car park

In the nearby area

Collias Hermitage
At the hermitage's site, the cave immediately attracts the eye. This cave was inhabited by Neanderthals at least 40 000 years ago. A monastery was built during the 8th and 19th centuries. The last hermit died in 1839...
The Notre-Dame-de-Laval chapel was built during the 12th century on a former pagan temple site. If by chance, the chapel's door is open, you'll find some remains of ceiling frescoes and a board giving some details and explanations.
It is possible to climb on the cross at the top of the site, giving you the possibility to enjoy a stunning view of the valley.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 98 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
severine MC
severine MC

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A short loop which takes in a beautiful hermitage and gives an insight into the vegetation of the region

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philibert.sylvie
philibert.sylvie

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : May 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A lovely walk to discover a little of the Cevennol Piedmont

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J.Mounier
J.Mounier

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A very pleasant walk, thanks to its scenery and cultural interest.

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Mimigm
Mimigm

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

We did this little hike after doing the one in the Gorges du Gardon, so it was late in the day, which explains why it wasn't very popular.
The hermitage is a must-see
The climb after the hermitage is short but steep.
But it's a great walk. I'll do it again in 1/2 day.

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chespeel
chespeel

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

a lovely walk with no difficulties except on the way back after the hermitage a climb through the stones that required a little effort a very pleasant path that smelled of thyme and rosemary I didn't meet anyone on the way as it was a Monday

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Gucci
Gucci

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The route is very varied, with a short climb that is not dangerous but not accessible for mountain bikes or pushchairs. You arrive at the foot of the Hermitage and then a small chapel that appears out of nowhere. On the way back there was a splendid view of the village of Collias. I loved this walk with my dog, just the two of us....Parfait...
To be enjoyed outside the SUMMER season. Thank you again for this route in the heart of nature.

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Zinna
Zinna

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

It's a shame that three quarters of the car parks have to be paid for!
But my hike itself was rather nice, a bit uneven but largely surmountable.
Dog-friendly

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jéjé66210
jéjé66210

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 31, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Park on the bridge or turn right before the bridge free parking.
Nice, easy hike to discover the well-preserved Hermitage. Steep point 2 to 3, good shoes required. About two and a half if you take your time

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Wilburn
Wilburn

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

An excellent walk in a historic setting!

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Claude 2 Nîmes
Claude 2 Nîmes


Many thanks to you .
And really lovely walks all along the GARDON gorges...

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25MENAI
25MENAI

I fully agree with Claude 2 Nîmes. For those who want to avoid the climb, the route can be done in reverse. But in that case, watch out for the descent. It's not easy, but it can be done. Then meditation as you walk gently towards the Gardon.

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Claude 2 Nîmes
Claude 2 Nîmes

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

I really enjoyed this lovely loop... The path to the Hermitage is very easy and afterwards I found it an ideal place for meditation !!!!
Then a very good climb to cleanse the body and mind !!!!!
You can join up with other trails if you need to go back down to Collias.

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cec_cavalier@yahoo.fr
cec_cavalier@yahoo.fr
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A pretty little loop in the shade. The ascent is in the shade and follows a stream. The return is more open and can be hot.

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bicounette
bicounette

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Magnificent walk, especially as there was water.
We'll do it again

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sachot54
sachot54

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

The starting point is a pay car park, although free parking is available in the village. Good climb after the hermitage to the top, then back down (poles required). Shady, weather permitting.

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