Ermitage de Saint Jean du Puy

The place

Hermitage and chapel at 658 m atop a rocky peak of the Olympe range, in the commune of Trets (Bouches-du-Rhône). Founded in the 5th century during the expansion outside the walls of the Abbaye Saint-Victor de Marseille by Saint Cassien, on the site of a former pagan temple probably dedicated to the goddess Diana. Occupied by Cassianite monks until the 15th century, then by hermits until the Revolution, when the site was sold as national property and its occupants expelled. Listed as a monument of artistic, historic, scientific, legendary and picturesque character on 20 April 1938. The complex includes the hermitage, the communal house, the vault of the Chapelle Sainte-Élisabeth and the bell tower with its orientation table. Panoramic view over the Arc valley, the Montagne Sainte-Victoire and the Sainte-Baume. On the GR9 between Saint-Zacharie and Trets. Fireplace, stone bench, outdoor table and non-potable water point. Free access all year, restricted access from 15 June to 15 September.