Les Chapelles D'Artiguelongue

A beautiful valley stroll to a historically important site, this walk offers something for everyone.

DISTANCE: 5 miles
APPROX TIME: 2 hours
START: Loudenvielle
FINISH: Loudenvielle

One of the things you realise when you come to an area like Loudenvielle is the sense of history. Many of the buildings which pepper the valley sides have been there for hundreds of years, and several have been historically important for military, political or religious reasons. This walk is a relatively gentle valley walk to one such important site, perfect for an easy day or when the weather is not at its best.

Begin in Loudenvielle, and take the road on the west side of the road southwards, towards the head of the valley. The road follows the river, making for a pleasant stroll in the dappled sunshine under the trees. Soon the road steepens, and the tarmac disappears in favour of a more rockier track, but once it levels the walk remains gentle, if slightly more enclosed from the trees. Continue past the succession of little houses, and you will eventually reach the bridge.




The bridge itself can be seen off to the left once you reach the clearing, the furthest extent of the bridleway. Once you see it, make a beeline for it, and you will be treated with expansive views of the valley ahead and the river behind. It is a wonderful view, and one of the definitive views of this valley.

The view north up the Val Louron

Now look east, to the other end of the bridge. Up on the hill stands a white chapel, one of Les Charpelles D'Artiguelongue, the extent of this walk. Head over the bridge, and you will hit the road on the other side of the river. Take a left, and then less than a hundred metres later there is a short footpath heading off to the right - take this.

The chapel on the hill

You now come into a glade, where Les Chapelles D'Artiguelongue sit. The original chapel, where it is said a vision of the Virgin Mary was seen, sits quite humbly ahead of you. Take the path leading round the right of it, and you begin to follow the short pilgrimage journey of many Catholics, from the initial chapel to the secondary one sitting on the hill. You will notice as you walk up this incline not only the statue of the Virgin Mary off to your left, but also the series of large, white crosses which follow your ascent. Each of these crosses is marked with the name of one of the valley's towns and villages, showing how important the chapels were and are to the catholic community of the entire valley.

A long line of crosses follow your climb from the first chapel (pictured) to the second.

From the second chapel itself you can once again admire the views both up and down the valley; once you have done so retrace your steps back to the road.

The second chapel

At the road, take a right. Continue along this road for around half a mile and you will see another bridleway heading left, back down towards the river. Follow this path, which winds its way down towards the river, criss-crossing tributaries, whose rapids you can see quite brilliantly at certain points. This bridleway will eventually widen into an avenue with trees on either side, bringing you into the southern tip of Loudenvielle. Continue through the village.



A fantastic walk for a lazy day, with an interesting historical and religious site to see. Recommended not only for this, but also perhaps as the definitive walk to see the hidden qualities this valley has to offer.