Notre Dame de la Mer

The Notre Dame de la Mer chapel is one of the most iconic landmarks in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a small Mediterranean fishing village in the Camargue region of France. Standing on a pedestal atop the rocky promontory jutting out into the sea, a few miles away from the coastline, it is an impressive sight. The chapel is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site, dedicated to the Mother of God, and is prominently featured in stories surrounding the purported pattern visits of the three Marys. From the promontory, visitors can take in breathtaking views over the sparkling ocean waters. On clear days, it is possible to observe the distant silhouettes of the National Park du Pont du Gard and the Gard Alps, in the distance. Apart from the panoramic views, the chapel is also a draw due to its unique and unusual architecture. Covered by white-painted cement, the walls of the building are broken up by brick-formatted windows. The peak of the chapel is a circular dome, which offers a perfect frame to the vast expanse of sea in the front.