Ermitage Notre-Dame de Consolation

Collioure

Above Collioure, between sea and mountain, a sanctuary dedicated to Notre-Dame de Consolation rises at the end of the route de Madeloc. A tourist guide says it is housed in a chapel of the 12th century; this date could not be cross-checked. According to legend, the original Virgin was discovered by a shepherd, near the Fontaine Bleue. The Virgin of the sanctuary is therefore reputed to be miraculous. The altarpiece of the high altar, in carved, gilded and painted wood, dates from the last quarter of the 18th century. It shelters a statue of the Virgin and Child in a niche, between fluted columns and garlands. On the Virgin and Child, 146 Catalan gold jewels are sewn onto two velvet hearts, with garnets, sapphires, rubies and diamonds. The altarpiece and jewels have been listed as historic-monument objects since 1977. The place bears the name of hermitage, but the sources read do not say who lived there as a hermit.

French Ministry of Culture (Palissy) — Retable de l'ermitage Notre-Dame-de-Consolation, Collioure ↗

Getting there: Route de Madeloc (D 86) from Collioure, then route de l'Ermitage. Opening times of the chapel not specified in the sources read: enquire at the Collioure tourist office.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

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