The Notre-Dame de Grace chapel lies on the Cote de Grace on the outskirts of Honfleur. The small but picturesque chapel was built by the local gentry and fishermen in the beginning of the 1600’s.
Construction of this chapel started in the year 1600 and finished in 1615. The chapel was built to replace one that was built in the year 1023 by King Richard II. The chapel was destroyed during a landslide. King Richard II built the chapel following a promises to do so when he almost lost his life during a storm.
Side of Honfleur’s Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grace
Front of Honfleur’s Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grace
Right side of Honfleur’s Chapelle Notre-Dame de GraceOn the left side of the chapel you will find an amazing carillon. It still works, and the bells sound each hour on the hour.
Here is what it sounds like (you need time to let the sound track load… this will depend on your internet access speed):
Inside
Inside the chapel it’s dark, somber and quite cozy. The altar is straight ahead, the organ is located above the entrance and on the two side are small chapels.
Inside the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grace
Stained glass windows everywhere in the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grace
The organ of the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grace
The altar of the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grace
Right side chapel of the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grace
Left side chapel of the Chapelle Notre-Dame de GraceThe organ pictured above is quite recent; it was built in 1990. Inside the chapel you will see many miniature boats, a reminder that this is a chapel for sailors.
Outside
In front of the chapel entrance, some 100 meters away you will find this small chapel. It’s currently not accessible:
Further towards the entrance of the chapel’s park (they have a rather large enclosed park) is a viewing platform. From here you can see the Seine river, its estuary, the bridge of Normandy and parts of Honfleur.
You see part of Honfleur. The green grass and small lake forms part of the “Jardin des Personnalites” (Celebrities garden), a very special garden of well known artists, authors, poets and discoverers who lived or worked in Honfleur.
For more on this special garden, click here to read our review.
This is the Butin beach area of Honfleur. At the other side of the Seine river you can see Le Havre’s industrial and port area.
Conclusion
The Chapel is a “must-see”. You can walk there, but it’s uphill from both sides, but it’s not too far. Many people cycle there. You can also drive there, although mobile homes/camping cars will have a problem with the narrow roads and sharp turns.
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