The original chapel was founded in 1023 by Robert the Magnificent, Duke of Normandy, after surviving a storm.
The current building was constructed between 1600 and 1606 following the collapse of the cliffside where the medieval chapel stood.
The interior is packed with miniature ship models and oil paintings donated by sailors to give thanks for their survival at sea.
The chapel is a focal point for the annual Fête des Marins held at Pentecost, which includes a religious procession to the port of Honfleur.
The site hosts a plaque commemorating visits by historical figures such as Cardinal Richelieu and Victor Hugo.
The church's bells are inscribed with names of donors and sailors who perished at sea.
The wood carving of the Virgin Mary inside the chapel is considered a centuries-old protected relic by local fishermen.
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce is a historic sailor's sanctuary perched on the Côte de Grâce plateau overlooking Honfleur and the Seine Estuary. The current structure dates to 1606, replacing an older chapel destroyed by cliff erosion. It serves as a votive site where mariners traditionally left models of ships as offerings for safe passage. The interior is decorated with numerous ex-votos, including paintings and maritime artifacts from centuries of local seafaring history. The surrounding terrace provides a panoramic view of the Pont de Normandie and the Le Havre coastline. It remains an active site of pilgrimage, particularly for the Fête des Marins. The site is surrounded by a wooded area known as the Plateau de Grâce. Architectural features include stone buttresses and a modest, steep-roofed nave typical of early 17th-century Norman religious buildings.
The balustrade on the terrace outside the chapel, which frames the estuary and bridge.
Walk the surrounding paths of the Côte de Grâce woods for additional estuary viewpoints.
Check the chapel interior carefully to find specific ship models that date back over 200 years.
Visit on a clear day to ensure visibility of the Pont de Normandie and the opposite bank of the Seine.
Do not attempt to walk up from Honfleur with heavy luggage, as the incline is steep and sustained.
Open daily, but may be closed for short periods during specific religious services or local feast preparations.
Maintain silence as it is a place of active worship; remove hats and dress modestly.
