The Caves and the Hermitage of Notre-Dame-des-Anges

Col Sainte-Anne car park, 1782–1902 Route Notre-Dame des Anges, 13105, Mimet. More than twenty spaces available.

(S/E) At the end of the car park, a forest barrier marks the start of the hike: take this DFCI track, which climbs straight up to a crossroads after the power line.

(1) Descend steeply to the left to cistern number 84.

(2) At the crossroads, take the first track on the left, following the blue markings to reach the Chemin de Notre-Dame des Anges at the end.

(3) At the end of the tarmac road, leave the Route de Notre-Dame des Anges and take the Chemin de Mimet on the right, as the track straight ahead is closed to the public and is private property. Two concrete pillars and a light blue metal gate mark the entrance to the private property.

(4) Leave Chemin de Mimet and take a small path climbing up to the left, where you can clearly see the side of the Notre-Dame des Anges Hermitage building. This path is on a bend. Once at the hermitage, enjoy the scenery and take some photos.

(5) Return to Chemin de Mimet.

(4) Take the path you have already walked on the right (about ten steps) then turn left, just after a rock, and follow a path that goes downhill. The first part is a little steep and not very well marked at the very beginning. Follow this path to the Grotte des Ermites. It is possible to visit it.

(6) Otherwise, continue along the path, with your feet slightly in the water.

(7) At the crossroads, take the path on the right, which may seem like you are backtracking a little. This path climbs quite steeply and is marked in red.

(8) At the fork, take the path on the right, which leads to the second cave. The path is marked in red up to this cave and is fairly dry. You may need to use your hands to help you along.

(9) Turn back to the crossroads.

(8) Go up to the right and you will reach a double crossroads. Continue straight ahead at the first one.

(10) At the second junction, take the path that climbs to the left, turning slightly to reach cistern 84, which you passed on the way there.

(2) Leave the track and climb the path to return to the car park via the same route you took on the way there (S/E).

Proposed by A.M.I.S Rando Aubagne.