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Ermitage Notre-Dame de Font-Romeu: A Sanctuary of History and Art

Discover a historic pilgrimage site with stunning baroque art and a revered statue of the Virgin Mary in the French Pyrenees.

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The Ermitage Notre-Dame de Font-Romeu, a historic hermitage and pilgrimage site, is located just north of Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via. Its 17th and 18th-century chapel showcases stunning baroque architecture and houses a remarkable collection of religious art, including the famed camaril and a revered 12th-century Romanesque statue of the Virgin Mary.

A brief summary to Ermitage Notre-Dame de Font-Romeu

  • Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via, FR

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual procession on September 8th or the Sunday of the Trinity to witness the traditional transfer of the Virgin Mary statue.
  • Explore the Font-Romeu Calvary Pass, located 300m southeast of the Hermitage, for panoramic views of Cerdanya and the surrounding peaks.
  • Take a guided tour of the chapel to learn about its history and architecture, and to discover the masterpieces it contains.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via, the Ermitage Notre-Dame de Font-Romeu is approximately a 1 kilometer walk north along the Route de l'Ermitage (D618) towards Bolquère. The walk is mostly uphill and takes around 15-20 minutes. There are sidewalks along the road. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    The LIO bus line 560 connects Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via with other towns in the region. Check the LIO Occitanie website for the most up-to-date schedules and stops. From the Place Dr. Capelle bus stop in Font-Romeu, it's a short walk to the Ermitage. A single bus fare within the local area costs around €2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via. A taxi ride from the town center to the Ermitage would be a short trip, costing approximately €10-€15. Taxi stands can be found near the town hall and the train station. Ride-sharing services may also be available.

  • Parking

    If driving, there is limited free parking available near the Ermitage. During peak season, parking may be challenging. Alternatively, paid parking is available in the town center of Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via, such as at Parking Borrell, and you can walk to the site. Parking Borrell offers various rates, including a half-day for €3 and a night for €2.50.

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Discover more about Ermitage Notre-Dame de Font-Romeu

Nestled in the Pyrénées-Orientales, the Ermitage Notre-Dame de Font-Romeu stands as a testament to centuries of faith and artistic expression. Located a kilometer north of Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via, this hermitage has been a significant pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages. The name Font-Romeu itself, meaning "fountain of the pilgrim," originates from a sacred spring near the hermitage. The current buildings, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, surround a rectangular courtyard, with the Notre-Dame chapel at its northern end. While the chapel's exterior is relatively austere, its interior is a dazzling display of baroque art. The highlight is the master altarpiece, crafted by Joseph Sunyer between 1704 and 1707 and later adorned with gold and paint by Félix Escriba. Another treasure within the chapel is the camaril, a small, ornately decorated room dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This "high chamber" houses the 12th-century Romanesque sculpture of the Virgin of Font-Romeu. The camaril's walls are covered in painted wood paneling with architectural motifs, crowned by a lantern-lit dome. The fountain within the hermitage is believed to have miraculous healing properties, evidenced by the many ex-votos displayed in the chapel. Each year, on September 8th, a procession carries the statue of the Virgin to the church in Odeillo, where it remains throughout the winter before being returned to the hermitage in the spring.

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