Notre-Dame-de-la-fin-des-Terres

Notre-Dame-de-la-fin-des-Terres is a Romanesque stone church with a central nave and two side aisles, its walls decorated with carved capitals throughout. These carvings depict biblical scenes and geometric patterns that give the interior space visual depth and crafted detail.

The building dates to the 11th century and was founded as a Benedictine abbey. During the 18th century it disappeared beneath sand dunes, only to be excavated and restored in the 19th century.

The name refers to its position at the edge of inhabited land, where pilgrims stopped on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The church served as a final gathering place for travelers seeking blessing before embarking on ocean journeys.

The building is open to visitors throughout the day and can be explored calmly in early morning or late afternoon when fewer people are present. It sits centrally in town and is easily reached on foot or by car.

The basilica lay buried under sand dunes for decades before being rediscovered in the 19th century, which led to extensive restoration work. This recovery after such a long period of concealment made it a striking testament to preservation efforts.

Location: Soulac-sur-Mer

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Part of: Way of Saint James UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France

GPS coordinates: 45.51390,-1.12170

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:45