Tree of Martyrs

The Tree of Martyrs stands in Place Martouret across from the City Hall. It was in this town square that two sisters of St. Joseph were guillotined during the French Revolution. Their names were Sr. St. Julien (Marie-Anne Garnier) and Sr. St. Alexis (Jeanne Marie Aubert).

This particular tree was planted after World War I as a plea for peace and to honor all of those who died in the war for France. The act of planting trees after a major conflict began in France after the French Revolution (1789-99).

Please note: The name, “Tree of Martyrs” is not an official name. The Centre has adopted this name only to distinguish the tree from others.


Sr. St. Julien (née Marie Garnier) lost her life on June 17, 1794 to the guillotine during the French Revolution. She was one of the Sisters of St Joseph executed in Le Puy. Three other sisters were also guillotined in Privas for their faith and for hiding priests who were under threat by the revolutionaries. This plaque, which recognizes Sr. St. Julian, hangs in a small church in Lissac, a small town near Le Puy. We pray special prayers for these sisters who courageously held firm in their faith during a difficult time.