Description

Chapels are very numerous in Provence, but those on the roadside with a porch where the old road passed are quite rare. This is the case of this chapel on the small road between Lorgues and Saint-Antonin-du-Var or Entrecasteaux.

The chapel was built with the illusory aim of protecting the population from the plague. But even with this detail, it is not possible to date the construction, it is thought to be between the 14th and 16th centuries. It is also known as the Chapel of the Salettes.

The frescoes under the vault of the porch date from the same period. Alongside a multitude of stars in red and yellow, there are representations of the following figures: Saint Christopher, Saint Fiacre, Saint Maur, Saint Bernard-les-Alpes and Saint Hospice (from Nice)

Benva means: well being, feeling good.

There are also frescoes inside the chapel, which are even richer.

Access by public transport

It is not possible to go directly to the site by bus. The town of Lorgues, less than two kilometres to the east, is however fairly easy to reach.

To Draguignan in the network Zou! (only french) and then with lines 11 or 13 of the network tedBus (only french) to the Rond Point 19 Mars 1962 stop, which is just before the terminus and south of the town centre.

Please note that this stop is only served on the outward journey. On the return journey, you must go to the terminus Parking Jean Moulin. Stops are indicated on the map on this page.

Take the first right, it's the Rue du 8 mai 1945. At the end of the street turn left, then right and left again to be on the main axis of the town where the market is held. You walk towards a house that looks like a town hall. In front of it, turn right and squeeze up against the house, and at the end of it, climb the Montée de Sainte-Auxile.

This quiet little road leads to a large roundabout. Here, opposite, towards St. Antonin. The chapel is also signposted here. Now there are 1.6 kilometres left along this small and narrow departmental road, which has no alternative for pedestrians as all other ways are blocked and private. 2.6 kilometres in all for one direction.

Access by car

The quickest way to get there is via the A8 motorway.

Coming from Nice and Fréjus, take the Le Muy exit and then towards Vidauban. Under Les Arcs, take the road to Lorgues. Go through Taradeau and turn left, still towards Lorgues.

Coming from Marseille or Toulon, take the Le Cannet-des-Maures exit and then towards Vidauban, then Vidauban Centre and Taradeau. Follow the signs to Lorgues from there on.

When you arrive under Lorgues, take the direction of Salernes at the following roundabouts. You finally go up to the west of Lorgues and the next roundabout is decorated with a kind of limestone menhir in the centre. Here you turn left towards St. Antonin du Var. The chapel is also signposted here. 1.5 kilometres further on, look out for a small arrow on the right.

You can park a single vehicle at the access to the chapel.