Église Notre-Dame de La Ciotat, Historical monument and Catholic church in La Ciotat, France
The Église Notre-Dame de La Ciotat is a listed historical monument and Catholic church in the center of La Ciotat, close to the old port on Quai Ganteaume. It has three naves, thick stone walls, robust pillars, and a choir with an 18th-century altar decorated with carved woodwork.
The church dates back to at least the 14th century, when a small chapel stood inside a fortified tower while La Ciotat was still part of the parish of Ceyreste. In 1429 the town became its own parish, and the building was enlarged between the early 16th century and 1625, then officially consecrated in 1678.
The church holds regular services and religious celebrations that bring the community of La Ciotat together throughout the year. Inside, a three-panel fresco painted in 1975 by local artist Gilbert Ganteaume draws the eye and depicts scenes of freedom and salvation from the Bible.
The church sits on Quai Ganteaume at the edge of the old port, making it easy to reach on foot from the town center. There is no parking directly in front, but spaces are available a short walk away, and the surrounding streets are simple to navigate.
A crucifix attributed to Jean Bologne, a student of Michelangelo, went missing after World War II and was later found by a fisherman in the sea off La Ciotat. Local architects restored it at no charge, and it returned to the church in 2005.
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