Chapelle Saint-Clair du Lavandou

Le Lavandou

At Le Lavandou, the Saint-Clair quarter owes its name to a chapel raised by the inhabitants of the hamlet in 1668. It housed a bust of Saint Clair, patron of seamstresses, which legend says could restore sight to the blind. Nationalised in 1789, it was sold to private individuals who left it to decay. Its ruins were still visible in the early 20th century, then were demolished to make way for a villa. In 1996, a new chapel was built not far from the old one, with a replica of the bust. Every year, in September, the Romérage festival leads a procession from the church of Saint-Louis to the chapel. The Provençal word ‘lou romeirage’ means ‘journey to Rome’ and by extension designates pilgrimages. The day includes a mass, a procession, a ceremony of the vows of Saint Clair and a communal meal. The sources read mention no hermit: this is a neighbourhood pilgrimage, not a hermitage.

Office de tourisme du Lavandou — Fête du Romérage ↗

Getting there: Avenue Van Rysselberghe, Saint-Clair quarter. The chapel is visible from outside according to a 2019 record. For the Romérage festival (mass, procession, meal), enquire at the tourist office (04 94 01 53 10).

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

Ambient sound