Chapel of Our Lady of Salvation (Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Salut)
About Chapel of Our Lady of Salvation (Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Salut)
This historic clifftop chapel perched over 100 meters above sea level on Cap Fagnet offers breathtaking panoramic views of Fécamp, the Alabaster Coast, and the English Channel. Originally founded in the 11th century by Duke Robert the Magnificent after surviving a shipwreck, the current structure dates mainly from the 13th century and combines Romanesque and Gothic elements. The chapel became a sacred pilgrimage site for Terre-Neuvas fishermen who climbed the steep Sente aux Matelots (Sailors' Path) to pray for protection before dangerous cod-fishing expeditions to Newfoundland. Inside, visitors can admire approximately 40 maritime ex-votos, ship models suspended from the ceiling, and a unique 1948 white stone Virgin statue holding a three-masted ship. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1929, the chapel has undergone restoration following storm damage in 2018 - check with the Fécamp Tourist Office for current opening status before visiting. The site also features WWII German bunkers and is part of the GR21 hiking trail along the spectacular white cliffs.
Interesting Facts
During the French Revolution, when most religious buildings were being destroyed or sold, this chapel was spared thanks to a special decree from the National Assembly on August 6, 1792. The reason? It served as a crucial navigation landmark for sailors navigating the dangerous Alabaster Coast - pragmatism saved what faith had built.
The Terre-Neuvas fishermen made extreme vows when facing death at sea in the freezing waters off Newfoundland. Survivors would fulfill their promises by climbing the steep Sente aux Matelots barefoot, on their knees, or with stones placed in their boots - a painful act of gratitude that could take hours to complete.
During World War II, German forces painted the entire chapel tower in camouflage patterns to hide it from Allied bombers. These wartime paint layers were only fully removed during restoration work in the 1990s, finally revealing the original medieval stonework that had been concealed for half a century.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
721 Route du Phare, 76400 Fécamp, France
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Complete Seine-Maritime in 18 days
Dieppe → Le Treport → Rouen → ...
Alabaster Coast in 9 days
Le Havre → Fécamp → Dieppe → ...
Rouen and Le Havre in a week
Rouen → Le Havre