Notre-Dame-de-Vie Chapel in Mougins

Notre-Dame de Vie is a peaceful gem with great historical value

The Notre-Dame-de-Vie Chapel, beautifully located in Mougins, is an undiscovered gem for art and history lovers. Dating back to the 12th century, the chapel has a long and fascinating history.

It was restored in 2012 and now stands as a listed monument where visitors can explore both its historical and spiritual significance.

The chapel is especially known for its connection to the famous artist Pablo Picasso, who lived in the nearby villa Mas Notre-Dame de Vie until his death.

Inside, you’ll find a decoration of votive offerings and a beautiful bronze crucifix added during the recent restoration. The chapel’s distinctive architecture with ochre and sand colors makes it a visual delight, while the historical traditions, such as the pilgrimage of the Pénitents Blancs, add a special depth.

A former sanctuary of sorrow and peace

Until 1730, the chapel served as a refuge where parents from all over the region could bring their stillborn children for baptism. The Guinness family, the former owners of Mas Notre-Dame-de-Vie, had the remains of the infants transferred to a common grave under a statue of the Virgin and Child. The stone is engraved with the words: “Here rest the innocent children who died at birth. Rest in peace.”

Until 1730, the chapel served as a place where parents from all over the region could bring their stillborn children for baptism, and this tragic yet emotional aspect of the site adds another dimension to its history.

The Guinness family, the former owners of the Picasso villa “Mas Notre-Dame-de-Vie”, had the remains of the young children transferred to a common grave under a statue of the Virgin and Child. The stone is engraved with the words: “Here rest the innocent children who died at birth. Rest in peace.”

The museum and the treasures in the hermitage

Today, the chapel also houses a museum section, the “Notre-Dame-de-Vie Treasury”, which tells the history of the site through some archaeological artifacts.

In addition, around fifteen beautiful photographs taken by Lucien Clergue are shown , mostly by his friend Pablo Picasso.

Note one of the windows on the first floor with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the Bay of Cannes and the Esterel Mountains.

With its scenic location and deep connection to both history and art, the Notre-Dame-de-Vie Chapel in Mougins is a CITY-must-XEE for anyone visiting the city.

Read also about Picasso’s impact on the city.

By Tommy Sverre – 2024