High on a hill overlooking the vibrant port of Les Goudes sits the Chapelle Saint-Lucien. It’s a modest structure, but it holds a powerful story. Chapelle Saint-Lucien isn’t just a chapel. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of a community. The original chapel, located on the port’s beach, was demolished around 1920. Photos suggest it might have been from the 18th or 19th century. A Les Goudes resident, Lucien Estrine, felt the loss deeply. Before his death in 1931, he willed his four daughters to build a new chapel.
His daughters honored his request. In 1932, the Chapelle Saint-Lucien was inaugurated, named after Lucien, its spiritual founder. The chapel stands as a beacon of faith, overlooking the picturesque landscape. Over the years, the Chapelle Saint-Lucien fell into disrepair. The roof collapsed. The walls cracked. Weeds choked the grounds. It seemed the chapel’s story might end there. But then, a persistent resident requested his son’s baptism in the dilapidated chapel. His wish was granted.
The joyous father, inspired by the event, spearheaded the chapel’s restoration. An association, “Les Portes des Calanques,” was formed. Local communities contributed. In 2002, the Chapelle Saint-Lucien was reborn. Today, the chapel, maintained by locals and its caretaker, Mr. Giovanelli, thrives once more. The Chapelle Saint-Lucien is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of resilience, community, and the enduring power of faith. It’s a place where the echoes of history mingle with the hopes of the future. A monthly Saturday morning mass keeps the spirit of Lucien Estrine alive.