Trets
Last update on
Oct 7, 2026
Between Aix en Provence (22km) and Saint Maximin (16km) via the D6 and N7.
Discover the small town of Trets in Provence
Trets lies at the foot of Mount Olympe, facing Sainte-Victoire Mountain, which marks the northern horizon. Between the two, the Arc Plain stretches out with its vineyards all the way to the ramparts of the old town. As you pass through a gate, the medieval town gently envelops you.
Where to stay
This town in the Bouches-du-Rhône department is located 22 km from Aix-en-Provence, in the heart of the Pays d’Aix region. The Château des Remparts still watches over the historic center and houses the tourist office. Just a few steps away, the parish church of Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth is one of the oldest Christian buildings in Provence. For your vacation, Trets is best explored on foot, taking in its historic sites, the wines of Sainte-Victoire, and the trails of Mont Olympe.
A charming medieval town
The town has preserved many traces of its past. You’ll enjoy strolling through Trets’s narrow, winding alleys, where you’ll come across beautiful old houses with mullioned windows.
Trets is surrounded by fortifications dating from the 12th and 13th centuries; you’ll pass through two of the five gates that still remain: the Saint Jean Gate to the south and the Pourrières Gate to the west.
You can also explore the vaulted passageways typical of medieval towns, including one curiously named “Trou de Madame Lion.” Don’t miss the magnificent and imposing 12th-century Church of Notre Dame de Nazareth (a listed historic monument) and its unfinished bell tower.
Things to do around Trets
After your tour, the Place du 14 Juillet, lined with plane trees, is the perfect spot to rest a bit and enjoy a refreshing drink at one of its pleasant café terraces before setting off to explore the countryside surrounding Trets.
In the countryside surrounding Trets, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from the chapel at the St. Jean du Puy hermitage (a 2-hour walk or a 10-km drive).
Before your eyes lie Sainte-Victoire, the Alps, Sainte-Baume, and the Arc and Huveaune valleys. From this secluded peak, perfect for meditation, you’ll truly appreciate the gifts that nature has bestowed upon us.
What to see
12th century classified church ND de Nazareth.
13th century Synagogue.
Ramparts and medieval chateau, fountains, doorways, oratories...
St Jean du Puy hermitage, 5th century classified site (10 km).
Things to do
Hiking. 2 Mountain biking circuits.
Tennis. Swimming pool. Horse-riding.
Go-kart racing. Gymnasium. Stadium.
Wednesday morning market.
Spring fair, the second Sunday in March.
Mid-March: Painting competition, Provencal week.
Mai 1st: Pilgrimage to the St Jean du Puy Hermitage.
July: antique fair, fete de la St Eloi (horse-parade) .
Mid-July: Folklore Festival.
August: Foire de la St Barthelemy.
Hotels
A former 18th-century coaching inn in the heart of the medieval town of Trets: stone walls, wide period staircases, and air-conditioned, soundproofed rooms with very comfortable bedding. Centrally located yet perfectly quiet, with a good breakfast—a 3-star pied-à-terre offering good value for money at the foot of Sainte-Victoire, twenty minutes from Aix.
Airbnb
Discover our selection of houses, villas and apartments on Airbnb for an authentic stay in this Provençal village. You will love your vacation here.
Accommodation
Hotels.
Vacation rentals.
Bed & Breakfasts.
Your questions about Trets
You've sent us several questions about this charming town in Provence. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
What are the best things to do in Trets?
In Trets, vacation days are spent outdoors. The medieval town center is best explored on foot, through its old gates and vaulted passageways. Hikers follow the GR9 trail up to the Saint-Jean-du-Puy hermitage, about a two-hour walk.
Cyclists have their own playground too. The "Provence mines d'énergies" loop links Trets to Fuveau, Gardanne and Rousset over 57 km (35 miles). Between outings in nature, the Sainte-Victoire wine estates round off the day with a taste of local food and wine.
In summer, the town comes alive with its medieval festival and shows. For cultural news and practical info, check the town hall's events calendar.
Cyclists have their own playground too. The "Provence mines d'énergies" loop links Trets to Fuveau, Gardanne and Rousset over 57 km (35 miles). Between outings in nature, the Sainte-Victoire wine estates round off the day with a taste of local food and wine.
In summer, the town comes alive with its medieval festival and shows. For cultural news and practical info, check the town hall's events calendar.
How to visit Trets?
Start at the tourist office. You will find a map of the village and all the practical information you need. Guided tours of the historic center are offered there to help you understand the history of the medieval town.
Allow a full day to enjoy Trets at a relaxed pace. With the walk up to the hermitage, plan on 5 to 6 hours. Be aware that in summer, access to the Regagnas hills is restricted by prefectoral order from June 1 to September 30. Check current conditions on the town hall website before you set out.
Allow a full day to enjoy Trets at a relaxed pace. With the walk up to the hermitage, plan on 5 to 6 hours. Be aware that in summer, access to the Regagnas hills is restricted by prefectoral order from June 1 to September 30. Check current conditions on the town hall website before you set out.
What events take place in Trets?
The highlight of the year is Les Médiévales du cœur de Trets, held in early August. The town center then hosts a medieval market, costumed troupes, demonstrations of traditional crafts and fire shows. A guided tour of the medieval town completes the program.
On May 1, a pilgrimage climbs up to the Saint-Jean-du-Puy hermitage. The Saint John festival has been celebrated since 1793. In July, the Saint Eligius festival honors Provençal culture, language and arts. Each year, the town hall publishes the full program of these local events.
On May 1, a pilgrimage climbs up to the Saint-Jean-du-Puy hermitage. The Saint John festival has been celebrated since 1793. In July, the Saint Eligius festival honors Provençal culture, language and arts. Each year, the town hall publishes the full program of these local events.
What are the main sights in Trets?
The Château des Remparts dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. It still has its machicolations, arrow slits and a baroque fireplace decorated with gypsum plasterwork. Nearby, the 12th-century Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth church is listed as a historic monument. Its unfinished bell tower can be seen from afar.
In the village, walk through the Saint-Jean gate and the Pourrières gate. Look out for the 13th-century synagogue and the vaulted passage known as the "Trou de Madame Lion." Opened in 2011, the Jardins des Remparts stretch over 2,200 m² (about 23,700 sq ft) along the town walls.
Outside the village, the Saint-Jean-du-Puy hermitage stands at 658 meters (2,159 feet). Its orientation table offers views over the upper Arc valley, Sainte-Victoire mountain and the sea.
In the village, walk through the Saint-Jean gate and the Pourrières gate. Look out for the 13th-century synagogue and the vaulted passage known as the "Trou de Madame Lion." Opened in 2011, the Jardins des Remparts stretch over 2,200 m² (about 23,700 sq ft) along the town walls.
Outside the village, the Saint-Jean-du-Puy hermitage stands at 658 meters (2,159 feet). Its orientation table offers views over the upper Arc valley, Sainte-Victoire mountain and the sea.
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