Notre-Dame-du-Mai chapel
Sublime summitRitual of wonder
Going to the Notre-Dame-du-Mai chapel, or more simply “Monter au Mai” as we say in Provence, is not just a matter of religious belief. The chapel at the summit of Cap Sicié is one of the locals’ favorite places for a stroll. And with good reason! When you arrive on the chapel’s forecourt, it’s not the bright yellow of its facade that will impress you most, but the 360° view over the islands of Hyères, the hills of the hinterland, the harbor of Toulon and the creeks of Cassis.
5 good reasons to visit the Notre-Dame-du-Mai chapel
- Marvel at the 360° view
- Contemplating the Provence Méditerranée region
- Take a break from the immensity of the Mediterranean
- Visit the chapel and its ex-votos
- Take part in the May pilgrimage
All roads lead to Mai
In the heart of Cap Sicié, a vast forest of kermes oaks, pines and eucalyptus, the Corniche merveilleuse road takes you by car to the aire des Mascs, close to the Notre-Dame-du-Mai chapel. To reach the summit and the chapel, the last kilometer is a steep climb on foot. Make sure you’re properly equipped. To reach the chapel, you can also take the coastal path between Le Brusc and Fabrégas beach, or one of the hiking trails from the Janas forest.
Our advice
As winter comes to an end, the vegetation slowly awakens and the flower bed is decked out in beautiful colors. Cistus, endemic Mediterranean species in mauve or white, grace the hillside, offering an intoxicating spectacle.
Please note: the Corniche road leading to Notre-Dame-du-Mai is closed from June 15 to September 15. Before you come, check the conditions of access to the massif.
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May pilgrimage
The Notre-Dame-du-Mai chapel is unique in that it is located in both La Seyne-sur-Mer and Six-Fours-les-Plages. The explanation certainly lies in the fact that in 1625, when the building was constructed, the two communes and Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer were one.
Every year in May, their inhabitants commemorate their shared history by joining together in a procession to the rhythm of Provençal songs and the sound of tambourine-players.
Balcony overlooking the Mediterranean
The view from the forecourt of the Notre-Dame-du-Mai chapel is majestic. On the seaside, the landscape stretches from the Maures massif to the Cassis creeks, not forgetting the roadstead and islands of Hyères, the Giens peninsula , the Toulon roadstead and the Embiez archipelago. On the hilly side, the view stretches from the foot of the Coudon to the Sainte-Victoire mountain in Aix-en-Provence, via Mont Faron, Mont Caume, the Baou de Quatre Aures,Gros Cerveau and the Sainte-Baume massif. An orientation table helps you find all these wonders.
Pedestrian access depending on season
By car: to reach Notre-Dame-du-Mai, take the Corniche merveilleuse from the Fabrégas district in La Seyne-sur-Mer or from Le Brusc in Six-Fours. Stop by the roadside at the aire des Mascs. You’ll still have a climb of around 900 metres to do. Other departure points, a little further down the corniche, are also possible. Please note that this road is closed to all motor vehicles from mid-June to around mid-September.
On foot: from the Janas forest parking lot, take the Raymond Macchi trail and once you’ve crossed the route de la corniche merveilleuse, continue on the Feuillus trail to the chapel. Numerous hiking trails are available. The most beautiful, but also the longest and steepest, is the coastal path from Fabrégas beach.