The chapel site

  • The chapel site
  • The chapel site
  • The chapel site
  • The chapel site
The chapel siteThe chapel siteThe chapel siteThe chapel site

Presentation

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Préfailles was built in the mid-19th century on the initiative of the inhabitants and holidaymakers of the village, which at the time was still part of the commune of La Plaine. Later enlarged, this unique religious building in Préfailles is still used for religious services.
It was in 1849 that the inhabitants of Préfailles and some holidaymakers decided to build the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Préfailles.
Work began in 1851.
Préfailles residents themselves took part in the construction, including some young girls who drove ox carts to transport the building materials (stones, sand, bricks).
During the bathing seasons, large amounts of money were collected from summer visitors.

Dominating the Grande Plage, the chapel was completed in 1852.
Initially called the Notre-Dame des dunes chapel, it was later given the name of Notre-Dame de Préfailles chapel, which it has retained.
The chapel was blessed on 8 July 1854 by the Bishop of Nantes, Mgr Jacquemet.

It was extended, between 1890 and 1900, by the addition of two side chapels.

Its simple nave opens onto a choir, which for a long time was decorated with a marine fresco painted in 1958 by the painter René-Achille Rousseau-Decelle (1881-1964). Rousseau-Decelle had his second home, Ker Noémi, on the corniche de la Source. The painter came to Préfailles every year to recharge his batteries. A regular visitor to the nearby Margareth beach, he enjoyed fishing. And he spent long periods composing landscapes, seascapes and portraits.
Unfortunately, the fresco partially collapsed in 2013 and had to be removed.

The exterior was restored by the local council in 1994.
The chapel had been without its cross since a storm in March 2008. A new cross was unveiled in October 2023.

The surrounding landscaped seafront plateau is a real curiosity.
This shared and undivided property still belongs to around fifty former Préfailles families.
Any permanent construction is naturally forbidden and the few activities that take place there are under the control of the association that guarantees it.

Opposite, a number of beautiful villas attract attention, the most famous of which, the villa Caprice, belonged to the Tabarly family, where Éric spent many holidays as a child.

Still used for religious services, the chapel hosts renowned classical music concerts in summer.

A little extra: The Notre-Dame chapel can be discovered by following the "History of Préfailles" heritage interpretation trail.
Information
  • PERIOD OF SITE OR HISTORIC MONUMENT :
    • 19th century
    • 20th century
  • RELIGIOUS HERITAGE :
    • Chapel
  • Geographical zone :
    • Préfailles

Map

Map

FICHE_INFO_SIMPLE_LIBELLE_DESTINATION
Le site de la chapelle
Plateau de la Chapelle
44770
PREFAILLES
GPS coordinates
Latitude : 47.12872
Longitude : -2.21984
See The chapel site on GoogleMaps
LIEN_ACCES_MOTEUR_RESA_FICHE
Contact details
The chapel site
Plateau de la Chapelle
44770
PREFAILLES
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