The hinterland of Provence hides some nice chapels, which are sometimes really far away from any settlement. Unlike many other small little chapels, this one has a high nave and a very fine steeple.

Site history

This Romanesque chapel dates from the 12th century and was the parish church of the hamlet of Robion until 1703. The cemetery is still in use.

Description

It is built on a rectangular base, forming a simple nave. The bell tower has a slightly uneven square plan. It is attached to the church but not integrated structurally.

In the upper part of the tower there are openings separated by small columns. Wide pilaster strips with two round arches can be seen all around.

Access has been banned since 2015 because of plaster falling from the nave ceiling. However, you can still go to the cemetery and from there open a grate to get to the church door on the south side. The inside is plain and you can actually see fallen plaster pieces.

Access by public transport

The location cannot be reached by public transport.

Access by car

The village of Robion and Saint-Thyrse can be reached via a road south of Castellane. This D102 is very narrow and goes up through a wild gorge. It starts at the east exit of Castellane, there is a justified ban on campers and trailers and on vehicles over 8 meters in length. Coming from the north, keep an eye for the signpost to Robion at the saddle after the gorge stretch.

Coming from the south, the route is a little less wild, quite beautiful but also very long: Draguignan, Comps-sur-Artuby, Jabron, le Bourguet. Coming from the south, you can see the church well from the street.

Parking site

You can drive up to the chapel with a small and light car (or a tractor...). But if the path is earthy and soft, it is better to stop at the turnoff to Robion and continue on foot. Two possible walkways are marked on the map on this page.

Another chapel as hike from here

You can start a two-hour hike from here that leads to the St. Trophime Chapel. It is built into the rock wall under the Montagne de Robion mountain that we see ahead and on the photo. To the right of the chapel, a forest road leads in this direction, you come to a narrow asphalt road and the hike to the Chapel St. Trophime begins at the following crossroads.