Ermitage et chapelle Notre-Dame de Laval

Collias

At the bottom of the Gardon gorges, near Collias, a cave and a Romanesque chapel form the hermitage of Collias. The hermitage, bounded by an enclosure wall, has been listed as a historic monument since 27 January 1934. Its main construction dates from the 12th century. The chapel of Notre-Dame de Laval, of the 12th century, stands next to a spring. Close by, a cave served the hermits, and the Uzès tourist office says it was occupied from the Neolithic. The tourist office links the beginnings of Christianity here to Saint Véredème, in the 7th century. This is a local tradition: it does not cite the source. It also says that hermits followed one another there, and that some hid there during the Revolution. In the 20th century, processions drew large crowds there, who asked for the end of a war, a disease or a drought. When the processions stopped, the site deteriorated, then works saved it.

French Ministry of Culture (Mérimée) — Ermitage de Collias ↗

Getting there: On foot from Collias, by a loop of about 6.5 km (about 2 h 20) that follows the Gardon then climbs towards the hermitage. Do not go after heavy rain, as the path crosses a stream several times. Entry is free. The chapel is not always open: when it is, one can see remains of frescoes on the ceiling and an information panel. The site belongs to the commune. Information: Uzès - Pont du Gard tourist office, 04 66 22 68 88.

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

Ambient sound