The chapel Notre-Dame de Grâce built in 1600-1615 by the bourgeois and sailors of Honfleur replaces an old chapel disappeared in a landslide of the cliff. This primitive chapel was founded before the year 1023 by Richard II Duke of Normandy, to fulfill a vow made during a storm where he had nearly perished. Since the cult of Our Lady of Grace has continued.
Marble plaques and paintings perpetuate the memory of illustrious figures who came to this chapel: Samuel De Champlain, Pierre Berthelot, Louis XIII, Bonaparte, Thérèse de Lisieux…
Our Lady of Grace has exceptional ex-votos. All the faithful who come to pray in the shrine are seized and surprised by the impressive number of plaques, models or inscriptions that testify to the general gratitude. All these ex-votos have a history. Their presence symbolizes the success of a vow, a recommendation, a prayer.
Of course, the protection of sailors is a priority. But they can also be testimonies of recognition following healings or the accomplishment of a happy event.