Notre-Dame Basilica

The Basilica of Notre-Dame, in Arcachon

The Basilica of Notre-Dame of Arcachon is the main religious building of the town, a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin of the sailors. The Arcachon audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this place of worship and devotion, deeply linked to the sea and to the history of the resort.

The sanctuary of the Virgin of the sailors

The Basilica of Notre-Dame is the main religious building of Arcachon and a place dear to the heart of the inhabitants. Its history is intimately linked to the sea: long before the creation of the seaside resort, a chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame already existed on these shores, a place of pilgrimage and prayer of the sailors and the fishermen of the Bassin, who came to place themselves under the protection of the Virgin before taking the sea or to thank her for a safe return. This old maritime devotion explains the deep attachment of the population to this sanctuary. The current building, enlarged and embellished in the nineteenth century during the rise of Arcachon, keeps the old chapel and shelters ex-votos, these offerings left by the faithful in thanks, often linked to the sea. The basilica thus watches over the town and the seafarers, perpetuating a secular tradition. A marine sanctuary and a place of devotion, the Basilica of Notre-Dame is discovered with respect. It is a stop to be discovered with respect of the discovery of Arcachon.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the main religious building of Arcachon, a sanctuary dedicated to Notre-Dame deeply linked to the sea: before the resort, a pilgrimage chapel already welcomed there sailors and fishermen come to place themselves under the protection of the Virgin; the building, enlarged in the nineteenth century, keeps the old chapel and ex-votos linked to the sea. The Basilica of Notre-Dame is a marine sanctuary of Arcachon. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Basilica of Notre-Dame lies in the heart of Arcachon, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but hours vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

What link does the Basilica of Notre-Dame of Arcachon have with the sea?

Before the creation of the resort, a chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame already existed on these shores, a place of pilgrimage of the sailors and the fishermen of the Bassin come to place themselves under the protection of the Virgin; the basilica keeps this old chapel and ex-votos linked to the sea, witnesses of this maritime devotion.

Where is the Basilica of Notre-Dame of Arcachon?

In the heart of Arcachon, in France.