This chapel can only be found with a good description: abandoned in a large field, completely hidden behind old oak trees and invisible from roads and paths. It is located about five kilometers east of St. Rémy and on the Canal Septentrial des Alpines (irrigation canal).

Description

The masonry visible from the outside dates from the 12th century. The roof and the Gothic vault below were rebuilt in the 14th century, probably after a collapse. The probably original apse was never erected again. The chapel is Romanesque on the outside and Gothic on the inside.

The chapel is quite large for its location in the middle of the fields. Although there used to be a castle not far away at the foot of the mountain massif in the south, the importance of the chapel probably goes back to its location on the Via Aurelia. This connection was also quite important in the Middle Ages. It also goes by other names: Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Romanin, Notre-Dame-de-Pierargues (or Piargues). Unfortunately, not much more is known about the chapel today.

Access by public transport

The chapel cannot be reached by public transport. The town of St. Rémy de Provence in the west is easily accessible by bus, see Zou! (only french). The attraction can also be reached on foot in just over an hour, following the Canal Septentrial des Alpines.

Access by car

Access is on the main road D99 between St. Rémy and Cavaillon. Coming from the west, about three kilometers after leaving St. Rémy, turn right towards Romanin Airport. We now drive straight south on this narrow road, cross a canal and after 50 meters we turn left onto a gravel road.

We are now on the former Roman Via Aurelia. Today it runs north of the airfield, it is quite bumpy and not straight. After 700 meters the road widens at a crossroads.

Parking site

Shaded parking is available at the crossroads and on the road further east.

Access by short walk

North of the gravel road, i.e. on the left when you come from St. Rémy as described, there is a narrow passage in the hedge that borders the field. This is opposite a red sign warning of the airport. The picture below is taken in the other direction, i.e. to the south.

We are standing after the hedge on a strip of grass and in front of a field with olive trees. Further back and to the left, oaks tower above the olive trees. These larger trees stand around the chapel. So we cross a few rows of olive trees and soon come to the chapel.

The map also shows a way to get to the chapel from the east, north and along the canal.

Warning: The chapel and the surrounding area, including the field with the olive trees, are private property. Don't damage anything, protect the plantations, leave no waste and don't come here in bulk!