On the occasion of Heritage Days, the Notre Dame du Bon Voyage chapel was inaugurated. It has been 6 years since the decision to rehabilitate it was made. It is open today and tomorrow from 10 AM to 12 PM and from 2 PM to 5 PM.
Jean-Marc Giaume, delegate for historical heritage, along with Benoรฎt Kandel, first deputy mayor of Nice, and Serge Chiaramonti, president of the Federation of Associations of the County of Nice, inaugurated the Notre Dame du Bon Voyage chapel. They reminded us that in 2005, the chapel was in ruins: looted, with holes in its roof and walls, and without a bell. The Federation of Associations of the County of Nice took on the renovation, which was overseen by the departmental service of historical monuments. This decision was made in agreement with the owner Mr. Martin. The city hall took care of arranging the forecourt of the chapel to prevent parking in front of it.
Royal Route
Jean-Marc Giaume thanked everyone who participated in this renovation, including “the skilled craftsmen whom I would like to call artists.” For 5 years, the Federation of Associations of the County of Nice will be responsible for maintaining the chapel and enlivening it with various events. Mr. Giaume recalled: “Travelers often stopped at the chapel to pray before taking the perilous royal route Nice-Turin and returned to pray to give thanks for the safe journey.” The city’s heritage delegate also shared an anecdote: “A gentleman wrote to tell us that his father used to pray before taking the road to Tende. In memory, he gifted us the door since he works with wood.”
Preserving the Soul of the City
Sessions have been organized in schools to teach children the history of this chapel. “It is by learning its history that one respects heritage,” explained Mr. Giaume. Benoรฎt Kandel also spoke: “In a city that is becoming increasingly modern, it is important to preserve its heritage so as not to lose its soul. The interest in this chapel has shown a renewed interest in the neighborhood.” To ensure the chapel’s future, an application for UNESCO heritage status will be submitted.
