The Virgin of Cruque from the Domaine de l'Hospitalet

Parking at the Domaine de l'Hospitalet, located on the edge of the D168 (Route de Narbonne Plage).

(S/E) With your back to the car park, take the track south-west to a crossroads at an elevation of 145 metres.

(1) Turn right onto a path and continue until you reach a fork.

(2) Continue left along the same path, which passes through a heath and elevation 152 to reach another fork.

(3) Turn right onto a new path that appears to be less travelled (marked by a small cairn) until you reach a crossroads.

(4) Turn left and take care on the descent down the stony path. Continue until you reach the entrance to the Grotte de la Vierge de Cruque.

(5) You can make a round trip to the cave, which can be seen from the path when looking at the cliff. Continue along the path through the forest.

(6) Turn left when you reach the forest and head towards the Combe Male stream.

(7) Cross it and,with a vineyard on your left, take the small path leading off to the left.

(8) After crossing the road (Chemin de la Couleuvre or Pech Redon), start climbing a slightly steep path and reach the antennas.

(9) Continue along the path that runs alongside the antennas, offering a beautiful view of the Étang de Bages, then take the Chemin de la Couleuvre.

(10) Walk to the orientation table and back, then take the path towards Domaine de Pech Redon.

(11) Leave Chemin de Pech Redon, turn right and then immediately left onto a small, little-used path.

(12) Turn left and follow a dirt track with a view of the Coffre de Pech Redon, crossing the heath of the same name.

(13) Turn left onto a path leading downhill before rejoining the track.

(14) Continue along the track and return to the junction you passed on the way out.

(1) Continue straight ahead, following the same route as on the way there, to return to the car park (S/E).

After the Grange Neuve heath, you will need to descend a few metres down a steep, stony path, where caution is advised.

The climb to the cave, above which stands the statue of the Virgin Mary, is quite tricky and can be slippery in winter or after days of rain.

NB: the Massif de la Clape is a protected area and access is prohibited at certain times of the year, particularly due to the risk of fire.

Avoid hiking on hunting days or after heavy rain the day before.

As the route is not signposted, the use of the Visorando app or a hiking GPS is strongly recommended.

Statue of the Virgin of Cruque, erected in 1915, above the entrance to a cave.

Viewpoint located after the antennas near the Chemin goudronné de la Couleuvre