On the Ligurian Alta Via - The Mont Torrage circuit

Nestled among some trees along a promontory, chapelle Sainte-Anne ovrlooks the wild valley of Bendola; every year, a pilgrimage brings several worshippers to the area, as a procession from Saorge to the smalle sanctuary.

On 4th January 1092, the newly built chapel of Sainte-Marie, was given to the monastery of Lérins, as well as land including houses, mills, vines and meadows. Four priests and two members of the secular clergy would reside in the house adjoining the chapel and they would sing every day for the salvation of those who signed the gift charter. A long-term lease was signed on 10th September 1668, between the Lérins monastery and the nobleman J.F. Davéo. After the Revolution in 1789, Notre Dame du Puy became part of the family’s estate, which today has no heir, and took the name Notre-Dame del Poggio.

Under the patronage of Saint Claude, the chapel is built into the frame of the houses: the gentle ochre of its wall catches the eye. The confraternity of Mercy brought together nobles to provide help for the needy. Restored and turned into a museum, it reopened its doors again in summer 1989.Opposite the chapel, the charming Bellevue hotel’s restaurant room provides a delightful view over the Roya valley.