Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Côte, Religious chapel in Sarzeau, France.
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Côte is a chapel near Sarzeau on the Breton coast, built with a Greek cross floor plan. This shape was chosen to withstand the strong sea winds that regularly buffet this coastal location.
The chapel was built in 1876 on the site of two earlier religious buildings, with financial backing from the Francheville family. The new structure rose on foundations that had long anchored religious life in the region.
The stained glass windows show the Virgin Mary pushing back hostile fleets, and the chapel displays the coats of arms of families tied to the place. These images reflect how people saw this site as a protector of their coast.
The site is best visited during good weather when the coastal views are clear and the surroundings are fully visible. Plan your visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architectural details and stained glass.
During World War II, the chapel narrowly escaped planned demolition when Abbe Buquen stepped in to prevent its destruction. This intervention saved not just a building, but an important piece of witness to a turbulent era.
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