Located west of Honfleur, in the Calvados department, the Côte de Grâce is one of the most picturesque and inspiring sites in the Normandy region. It gently rises from the town to reach a promontory overlooking the Seine estuary, offering a spectacular panorama of the coast, the Normandy Bridge, the industrial banks of Le Havre, and, on clear days, the distant lines of the marine horizon.

The ascent to the Côte de Grâce can be made by car, bicycle, or on foot, notably via the coastal road or marked trails that wind through dense vegetation composed mainly of beeches, chestnut trees, and oaks. Walkers are often accompanied by birdsong and the rustling of wind through the leaves, in an atmosphere of absolute calm that contrasts sharply with the bustle of nearby Honfleur’s port.

The site is best known for its beautiful Notre-Dame de Grâce Chapel, a true spiritual and historical gem perched atop the hill. It was built between 1600 and 1615 on the site of an older sanctuary erected in the 11th century by Richard II, Duke of Normandy. The chapel was constructed by the sailors of Honfleur to thank the Virgin Mary for protecting them during storms at sea.

Inside, visitors discover an intimate and emotional atmosphere. Model ships hanging from the ceiling — known as ex-votos — recall promises made by grateful sailors. The walls are adorned with commemorative plaques and old paintings depicting religious or maritime scenes. Three historic bells, dated 1634, 1766, and 1869, are also preserved in the bell tower and form an integral part of the region’s heritage.

Next to the chapel stands an old semaphore, installed in the 19th century. This observation post was used to monitor the movement of ships entering or leaving the estuary. Though no longer in operation, the building serves as a reminder of the Côte de Grâce’s strategic importance in local maritime history, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars and the two World Wars.

On the way back down, visitors can take various forest paths, some gently descending toward the shoreline, others offering exceptional viewpoints over the Seine Bay. Several orientation tables are set up to help identify the visible elements on the horizon: the Pointe de la Hève, the Cap de la Hague, or the imposing silhouette of the Normandy Bridge — an engineering marvel completed in 1995.

The Côte de Grâce is also a place of reflection and pilgrimage. Each year, in early September, the traditional maritime procession in honor of Notre-Dame de Grâce takes place, during which sailors, fishermen, and the faithful pay tribute to the Virgin in a deeply emotional atmosphere. It is a major event in Honfleur’s life, blending religious fervor, collective memory, and maritime culture.

Beyond its religious aspect, the Côte de Grâce captivates with its ecological and scenic richness. Classified as a sensitive natural area, it harbors remarkable biodiversity, including numerous species of birds, insects, and small mammals. Nature lovers and artists alike find it an endless source of inspiration: the play of light on the Seine, the contrasts between sky and sea, and the tranquility of the place have been painted, drawn, or photographed many times, especially by the Impressionist artists who frequented the region.

In short, the Côte de Grâce is much more than a scenic viewpoint or a place of worship. It is a green sanctuary rich in history, spirituality, and natural beauty — a meeting point between land, sea, and sky that perfectly embodies the timeless charm of Normandy.