Ermitage Saint-Guilhem de Combret

Le Tech

A small Romanesque chapel, backed against a stone house, at the foot of the Canigou: the hermitage of Saint-Guilhem de Combret. Tradition tells that a hermit named Guillem founded it in the early Middle Ages, after triumphing over malevolent spirits. The documents are more sober: the hermitage is mentioned from the 11th century, then attached, at the end of the 12th century, to the Benedictine monastery of Arles-sur-Tech. The present chapel is Romanesque and dates from the 12th century; it may have replaced an older building. It has a single nave, a flat east end, pointed barrel vaults and a bell gable with one opening. Several objects it kept are protected, including a rare wrought-iron bell. Two medieval manuscripts written for the priests who served the church have also survived. The place remains a pilgrimage site, and the chapel has been inscribed as a Historic Monument since 7 December 2009.

French Ministry of Culture — Mérimée PA66000026 ↗

Getting there: At the place called Saint-Guillem, at Le Tech (Haut Vallespir). Reached on foot: a waymarked loop of 14 km (360 m of ascent) starts from the village of Le Tech; a road then a forest track also allow one to approach by car. The chapel is private property (Mérimée record): no visiting times were found, masses are held during the annual assemblies (aplecs). A refuge stands nearby.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound