The Hermits' Cave

de fr

This is more of a walk to enjoy with family or friends. The route follows a DFCI (firebreak), so the paths are very wide and very pleasant for children to cycle on or for pushing pushchairs. The path is wide, practically along the entire length of the route, but gently sloping. This is the Chemin de Mimet. When you arrive near Notre-Dame-des-Anges, below, there is a narrow, rocky and picturesque path for experienced walkers. It leads to the Grotte des Ermites, some 100 metres below. You then have to retrace your steps. Children will be safe during this descent to the Grotte des Ermites, which will leave them with a very nice memory. It's not very long, but it's really very pretty.

Details

n°91474170
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.96 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,280 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,299 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,493 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,030 ft
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Allauch (13190)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.37412° / E 5.483839°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3145ET
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Photos

Hermits' Cave 2
Hermits' Cave
Oratory

Description of the walk

If you come by car, there is a car park with around thirty spaces in front of the forest gate where the hike begins. This walk/hike is marked in yellow.

(S/E) Follow the very wide path that climbs almost continuously. Stay on the widest path (Chemin de Minet) until you see a building on your right, opposite, which is none other than Notre-Dame des Anges. When you arrive, almost level with the building below, and at the side of the Notre-Dame des Anges house, in the bend, you will find a small path leading off to the left.

(1) Take this pretty little path downhill. The landscape is dry and very rocky. There is only one path to access and arrive directly at the Grotte des Ermites.

(2) Enjoy this beautiful spot, with its streams to admire, then return to the starting point by retracing your steps (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,266 ft - Car park with more than twenty spaces
  2. 1 : mi 2.29 - alt. 1,486 ft - Cingle on the left
  3. 2 : mi 2.49 - alt. 1,293 ft - Hermits' Cave
  4. S/E : mi 4.96 - alt. 1,247 ft - Car park with more than twenty spaces

Notes

Promoted by A. M. I. S Ranfo Aubagne

Worth a visit

Our Lady of the Angels

The Hermit's Cave was given in 1395 to the hermit brother François, originally from Naples, who gave it to the sanctuary that his community built on this steep and wild site. They named it after a very popular patron saint, Saint Michael, the prince of archangels, who was often called upon in the Middle Ages to protect sites.

Reviews and comments

4 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
Daniel Ganem
Daniel Ganem

Thank you for your positive feedback. Have a lovely day. Best regards, Daniel

Machine-translated

fouado
fouado

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 07, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

An easy, pleasant walk with lovely views of the Allauch countryside. The Hermits’ Cave makes for a lovely spot for a picnic

Machine-translated

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