Can you envision heads appearing and disappearing from the rock face? That is what awaits hikers who do not know about Grotte du Déserteur. The Grotte du Déserteur is a natural excavation. It is found on the eastern flank of the Rocher de Saint-Michel. This special place is accessible via a beautiful balcony path. It is known as path 2a green.
To get to Grotte du Déserteur you must start at the Pas de la Demi-Lune. You must leave the path before it drops into the Vallon de la Mounine. Instead follow the level lines at the foot of the high walls. These walls are part of the Rocher de Saint-Michel.
Continuing on this path allows you to reach the Vallon de la Mounine. The detour is worth it. The route seems improbable. However it proves to be impressive. Hikers descending the Vallon de la Mounine will see heads. These heads will appear and disappear from the base of the cliffs. Those who do not know this path might think it is a mirage.
The Grotte du Déserteur is an example of speleogenesis. This refers to the creation and development of cave systems. The Grotte du Déserteur is part of the Massif de Marseilleveyre. The Massif de Marseilleveyre is a chain of karst limestone. Karst landscapes are known for caves.
The soil around Grotte du Déserteur is almost non-existent. Cliffs are prolonged by scree. Numerous faults and fissures crisscross the rock. Roots of plants anchor themselves in these cracks. The aridity and sea spray shape the vegetation. Only plants adapted to these conditions survive.
To reach Grotte du Déserteur from Callelongue follow the yellow path number 2. This path goes along a balcony under the Pas de la Demi-Lune. After visiting the Grotte du Déserteur you can reach the calanque de la Mounine. Follow the green path number 2. This path follows the bottom of the thalweg. The thalweg leads to the calanque de la Mounine.
This walk takes around three hours. The paths are stony. Some sections can be very slippery. The Grotte du Déserteur provides a unique vantage point. From here you can appreciate the rugged beauty of the Calanques. This natural cave offers a memorable experience.
So remember to look for the Grotte du Déserteur next time. You will be in the area. This hidden gem rewards those who seek it.