chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours dite chapelle de la Dourque de Ferrières-Poussarou

Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours, also called chapelle de la Dourque, is a small hillside chapel in the commune of Ferrières-Poussarou, in the Hérault department of Occitania, France. It stands near the peaks of Coste de Cabrio and Le Pech, with views over the neighboring village of Berlou and the surrounding hills.

What will you see there?

The building dates back to the 17th century and has the modest, rustic character typical of pilgrimage chapels in this part of southern France. Inside sits a statue of the Virgin Mary — and its backstory is more interesting than its appearance. The original wooden statue disappeared over time (stolen), and its plaster replacement met the same fate. Local parishioners then raised funds for a new figure, this time brought from the Montserrat monastery near Barcelona: a Black Madonna echoing the famous Catalan image.

The chapel doubles as a lookout point along walking routes in the area — the surrounding terrain is hilly and covered in garrigue, the low scrubland typical of Languedoc, and the chapel blends into the landscape rather than dominating it.

How do you get there?

Ferrières-Poussarou sits inland in Hérault, among the hills between the Orb valley and the Espinouse mountains. By car, the approach follows local country roads — the easiest starting points are Saint-Chinian or Béziers, from where departmental roads lead toward the commune. The chapel itself, perched on high ground outside the village center, is reached on foot — it's a popular short-walk destination linking nearby peaks and villages, including Berlou.

Allow extra time for the drive, as roads in this part of inland Hérault are narrow and winding.

When should you visit?

The region has a Mediterranean climate, and the best conditions for walking up to the chapel and enjoying the panorama are in spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October), when temperatures are mild and the air is clear enough for good views over the surrounding hills. Summer heat can make longer climbs uncomfortable, especially around midday.

Who is this place for?

The chapelle de la Dourque suits visitors looking for quiet and views rather than architectural spectacle — it's a small, unassuming religious site woven into the rural landscape of Hérault. It draws hikers combining the walk with other viewpoints in the area, as well as anyone interested in local Marian devotion history.

Frequently asked questions

What's another name for this chapel? Its official name is chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours, but locally it's also known as chapelle de la Dourque, after a nearby stream or area of that name.

Is it worth going inside? Yes — because of the statue's history. The current figure is a Black Madonna brought from the Montserrat monastery, after two earlier statues were stolen.

Is it easy to reach? The chapel itself must be reached on foot from the trail near the Coste de Cabrio and Le Pech peaks; driving only gets you to the nearby village.

What's the view like from the chapel? A panorama over the village of Berlou and the surrounding hills, covered in the Mediterranean scrubland typical of Languedoc.