Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Joie (Penmarc'h)

Penmarc'h

Between Saint-Pierre and Saint-Guénolé, Notre-Dame de la Joie stands on the shore, facing the sea. The Mérimée record dates it to the 16th century; the commune traces it back to the late 15th. Its calvary bears the date 1588. The bell tower rests on a blind gable pierced by three arrow slits, and heavy buttresses hold the walls on unstable ground. Inside, the oak roof frame resembles an upturned boat hull. Ex-votos hang from the tie beams, in thanks to the Virgin. An altarpiece by Jean Le Bosser dates from 1756. The chapel's purpose is to protect sailors, says the commune. On 15 August, the pardon begins with the blessing of the sea, followed by a procession and mass. An article of 1921 spoke of sailors fulfilling a vow made on a stormy day. Between the wars, the painters Mathurin Méheut and Lucien Simon captured this pardon, which became one of the best known in the Bigouden country. The chapel and its calvary have been listed since 7 February 1916.

French Ministry of Culture (POP) — Chapelle de Notre-Dame-de-la-Joie, Penmarch ↗

Getting there: Rue de la Joie, between Saint-Pierre and Saint-Guénolé, at Penmarc'h; site freely accessible; guided tours on Monday mornings in summer; pardon on 15 August, blessing of the sea at 10 am then mass.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound