Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce, Honfleur

Church in Honfleur

CC BY-SA 2.0 / René Dinkel

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce is one of the top attractions in Honfleur, offering a quiet hilltop retreat steeped in centuries of maritime faith. Built between 1600 and 1615 to replace an earlier sanctuary lost in a cliff collapse, the chapel overlooks the town and the Seine estuary from its perch atop the Plateau de Grâce. Its intimate size, votive offerings, and historic atmosphere make it one of the must-see places in Honfleur for travellers seeking beauty, tranquillity, and authentic local heritage.

Though modest from the outside, the chapel reveals a richly decorated interior filled with ex-voto ship models, paintings, and maritime tributes offered by generations of sailors. Often visited on walking tours of Honfleur, the site also features one of the best places to see in the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce area: the sweeping view toward the Pont de Normandie and the estuary below.

History and Significance of Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce
Things to See and Do in Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce
How to Get to Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce
Practical Tips on Visiting Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce
Where to Stay close to Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce
Is Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce
Nearby Attractions to Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce

History and Significance of Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce

The origins of the chapel trace back to a medieval sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a place where sailors prayed for safe journeys. After the original chapel was destroyed by a cliff collapse in 1538, the current structure was built from 1600 to 1615. Its completion marked a renewed devotion to the Virgin, whose presence was believed to protect Honfleur’s seafarers and guide them safely home.

Inside, the chapel preserves centuries of maritime gratitude through ex-voto offerings-paintings, ship models, plaques, and wooden carvings donated by sailors and their families. An 18th-century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary holding a ship stands as a powerful symbol of her guardianship. Notable visitors throughout history include King Louis XIII, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, whose presence underscores the site’s spiritual and cultural importance.

The chapel is still an active place of pilgrimage and holds a deep emotional connection to Honfleur’s community. Its enduring role is most visible during the annual Fête des Marins, a cherished festival of faith and maritime tradition.

Things to See and Do in Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce

Inside the chapel, visitors can admire the intricate ex-voto paintings and ship models dedicated by sailors who survived storms or voyages. These offerings create a museum-like environment rich with personal stories and maritime devotion. The 18th-century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, cradling a small ship, is among the most cherished pieces.

The walls display plaques commemorating influential visitors, reflecting the chapel’s long connection with French history. The 1990 Dupont organ adds musical depth to services and special events.

Outside, the peaceful surroundings and shaded grounds invite quiet reflection. A short walk leads to the Panorama du Mont-Joli, where breathtaking views of Honfleur, the Seine estuary, and the Pont de Normandie unfold-one of the things to do in Honfleur for travellers who enjoy scenic viewpoints and photography.

How to Get to Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce

Travellers typically arrive via Deauville-Normandie Airport, the nearest airport with domestic and limited international routes. From here, Honfleur is a short journey by taxi, rental car, or shuttle. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Honfleur on Booking.com.

Honfleur has no railway station, but Deauville-Trouville Station provides frequent service from Paris Saint-Lazare and connections to major Normandy cities. Local buses, taxis, and shuttles offer onward travel to Honfleur. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

Reaching the chapel by car is simple, with well-maintained roads leading up to the Plateau de Grâce. Parking is available nearby, and a short walk leads to the chapel grounds. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce

Suggested tips: Bring comfortable shoes for the short walk to Mont-Joli viewpoint.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon for soft light and expansive panoramas.
How long to spend: Around 30-45 minutes for the chapel and the nearby viewpoint.
Accessibility: The chapel is accessible, but some surrounding paths are uneven.
Facilities: Limited facilities on-site; cafés and amenities are available in central Honfleur.
Photography tip: Capture the estuary and Pont de Normandie from Mont-Joli for stunning compositions.
Guided tours: Occasional tours are offered by local guides or through the tourism office.
Nearby food options: Honfleur’s centre offers numerous cafés and restaurants a short drive or walk away.

Where to Stay close to Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce

To stay close to both the chapel and Honfleur’s charming town centre, consider La Ferme Saint Simeon, a luxurious retreat with estuary views. For a central and elegant option, Hôtel L’Ecrin offers comfort within walking distance of town attractions. Another excellent choice is Les Maisons de Léa, combining boutique style with perfect access to Honfleur’s heritage sites.

Is Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce is absolutely worth visiting. Its peaceful hilltop setting, rich maritime symbolism, and extraordinary views make it a highlight of any trip to Honfleur. Whether you're drawn to its spiritual significance, its history, or its panoramic landscapes, the chapel offers an experience that beautifully captures the soul of Normandy.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (960)

Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce in Équemauville sits on Côte de Grâce and welcomes visitors daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; guests praise its beauty and say the steep climb is worth the effort.

Emmanuel POUPEAU

2 years ago

"Very nice to visit. We went with the small tourist train and it was very pleasant."

OZGUC SAHIN -OFFICE BTWIN-

2 years ago

"One of the most mystic chapelles i have ever seen in my whole life! An unusual place even if i am not a strong believer.. First time i see such aconcept with full of respected peoples' memory tablets on the walls starting from 1800s and full of sailing boat models on the ceilings of a chapelle..overall ,it was a great experience ,so that i visited 2 times in 2 days during my stay in Honfleur !..."

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Frank Phillips

a year ago

"Lovely area , stopped to look at the bells outside and went into Chapel .The bells actually strike on the quarter and hour"

FAQs for Visiting Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce

Yes, entry is free.

Yes, services are occasionally held; check local schedules for times.

The walk is short but involves some uneven paths; comfortable footwear is recommended.

It is generally peaceful, though more visitors arrive on weekends and during the Fête des Marins.

Nearby Attractions to Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce

Vieux Bassin (Old Port): Honfleur's iconic harbour framed by colourful timbered houses.
Sainte-Catherine Church: A remarkable wooden church built by shipwrights after the Hundred Years' War.
La Lieutenance: A historic fortification gateway turned maritime heritage centre.
Eugène Boudin Museum: Celebrating Honfleur's Impressionist legacy and cultural history.
Panorama du Mont-Joli: A scenic viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the town and estuary.

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Honfleur!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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