Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bon-Voyage

Gazing up at Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bon-Voyage, have you ever wondered about its many names? This Cannes landmark, nestled between the bustling Croisette and the serene old port, has a history as rich and layered as its architecture. Originally a humble fisherman’s shelter in the 15th century, it was known as Notre-Dame des Sables, “Our Lady of the Sands.” As the village grew, so did the chapel, its name changing to Notre-Dame du Bord de Mer, “Our Lady of the Seaside,” reflecting its coastal location. Eventually, it became Notre-Dame de Bon Port, “Our Lady of Good Port,” a beacon of hope for sailors returning home. The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bon-Voyage as we know it today replaced this chapel in the late 19th century. Designed by architect Laurent Vianay, it adopted the name “Our Lady of Good Voyage,” a fitting title for a church in a town that was rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination. Construction began in 1868, but the Franco-Prussian War interrupted the project. The original plans were never fully realized, and around 1900, the two bell towers were unfortunately destroyed. Despite these setbacks, the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bon-Voyage continued to serve the community. In 1920, the organ tribune was reinforced, and in 1924, the municipality widened the north door. A fascinating piece of history connects this church to Napoleon Bonaparte. It’s said that upon his return from exile on Elba in 1815, Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bon-Voyage, then still the smaller chapel, was his first stop. A plaque commemorating this event was placed on the north wall in 1932. Inside, the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bon-Voyage houses a 16th-century crucifix and 18th-century statues of the Virgin Mary. The stained-glass windows are also worth noting. The windows in the transept depict the stoning of St. Stephen and the martyrdom of Saint Porcaire II and 500 monks from Lérins Abbey. The windows in the choir, however, tell a different story. Destroyed in 1944 during the Allied landings, they were replaced with modern depictions of the life of the Holy Family by the Mauméjean stained-glass company. The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bon-Voyage underwent extensive restorations in 2018 and 2019, both inside and out, further solidifying its place as a cherished landmark in Cannes. So the next time you pass Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bon-Voyage, remember its journey through time, from a simple sand-covered chapel to the elegant structure we admire today.