Chapel of the White Penitents

This chapel is easily recognizable by its striking Baroque style. Built in 1722, it once belonged to the Brotherhood of the White Penitents. As you explore Aubagne, you’ll soon notice that the town was home to three different penitential brotherhoods starting in the 17th century: the Black Penitents, the Grey Penitents, and the White Penitents, each with its own chapel. A penitential brotherhood was a Catholic lay association devoted to public worship and charitable acts. The White Penitents arrived in Aubagne in 1624 and first settled in the Saint-Roch Chapel, before eventually building one of their own. That’s how this Baroque gem was built in 1722 and served the brotherhood for many years. Later, during the First World War, it was used by French troops, and in 1927 it was officially listed as a Historic Monument. Look up at the facade and you’ll see statues of the apostles Peter and Paul, a final flourish on this elegant and historically rich building.