Ermitage Notre-Dame d'Esparron

Le Percy

Isolated in the forest, on the south-east slopes of the Vercors, the hermitage of Notre-Dame d'Esparron has to be earned on foot. According to tradition, the Virgin appeared here to children and to muleteers from Die; the origin of the place is linked to the 13th century. Religious communities have lived there since 1740. In autumn 1940, about 200 young people of the Chantiers de la jeunesse worked in the forest there. Later, the place became a camp of maquisards of the Armée secrète of the Vercors. At dawn on 3 February 1944, German soldiers attacked the camp. The maquisards, few and poorly armed, fell back to the summits, and the buildings were burned. A memorial recalls these events in the upper part of the hermitage. Since 1980, the diocese of Grenoble has rebuilt the buildings needed for pilgrimage and spiritual life. The path offers wide views over the Vercors, the Obiou and the Mont Aiguille.

Alpes Isère Tourisme — L'ermitage d'Esparron ↗

Getting there: From the village of Le Percy, a waymarked loop of about 14 km (4 to 5 hours) climbs to the hermitage through the forest; the route is rated fairly difficult. It can also be reached by the forest road from Esparron. The tourist office leaflet announces opening every day from 1 April to 31 October if the weather permits. The diocese of Grenoble receives pilgrims there, especially in summer.

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

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