Over-title
August 15 – from 10 am – Chapel of Notre Dame de Vie
Signing of the public subscription agreement in favor of the Chapel of Notre Dame de Vie between the Heritage Foundation and the city of Mougins
The chapel Notre Dame de Vie has been registered on the supplementary inventory of Historical Monuments since 1927
The Chapel of Notre Dame de Vie has been registered on the supplementary inventory of Historical Monuments since 1927.
Its exceptional architecture, which has inspired so many artists, is currently in a state of disrepair that requires restoration work.
The population is invited to participate in the safeguarding of its heritage.
To do so, a public subscription will be signed between the Heritage Foundation and the city of Mougins, allowing the public to make donations for the preservation of the Chapel.
Participating in the restoration of the Chapel of Notre Dame de Vie means participating in the preservation and dissemination of our history…
-PROGRAM:
10:00 am: gathering at the pond parking and procession to the chapel
10:30 am: celebration of the Assumption mass
11:30 am: Signing of the public subscription agreement in favor of the Chapel of Notre Dame de Vie between the Heritage Foundation and the city of Mougins
Followed by an animation by the Provençal Academy of Mandelieu-la-Napoule and an honorary aperitif
The Chapel of Notre Dame de Vie:
An important place of worship and a unique history
This place, devoted mainly to worship, gathered numerous devotees especially during long night processions organized by the white penitents (a wealthy and powerful confraternity from Mougins). Everyone would leave at three in the morning from Grasse to Notre Dame de Vie. Hymns and canticles recited in Latin echoed through the hills…
Moreover, for ten centuries, the Holy Virgin Advocate of Mougins, a guarantor of prosperity, was implored at Notre Dame de Vie. The walls covered with ex-votos testify to the enthusiasm aroused by this protector.
Notre Dame de Vie also has a unique history. It was a “sanctuary of respite” until 1930. A rather rare practice, families from the entire region would come here to have their stillborn babies baptized. It is said that they would resurrect long enough to receive the sacraments and thus find peace. They were then buried in the garden behind the Chapel.
Until the 1970s, the garden of the Chapel was the scene of great convivial celebrations, especially honoring Sainte Innocence, the patron saint of the village whose bust was brought in a procession from the village to Notre Dame de Vie once a year. Folk dances, balls, and pétanque games enlivened the forecourt of the Chapel.
A unique architecture
Registered on the supplementary inventory of historical monuments since 1927, this chapel holds particular architectural and historical interest. Indeed, it combines all the aesthetic features of 17th-century Provençal religious monuments. The gentle and simple lines of the building and the exterior layout evoke Tuscan landscapes.
The oldest part is the bell tower dating from the 13th century, attributed to the second Romanesque Art. The Chapel itself must have been rebuilt in 1655 in its original structure but slightly enlarged. It is based on a rectangular plan with a single nave. The priory is also from the 17th century.
Here everything is “calm and voluptuous”, nothing catches the eye. Focus on the genius of the architects: the roof’s dual-pitch structure, the barrel vault of the entrance, and its delicate period wrought iron gate… Finally, step back a little to admire the overall atmosphere that so charmed Picasso, thanks to the cypress-lined path warmly framing the site, the structure of the facade and its discreet oculus, the priory and its modest wooden door.
The Chapel Notre Dame de vie carries such elegance in all its simplicity that it is said “the whole world came to admire it”: from famous musicians Rostropovich and Rubinstein to Chaplin, Cocteau, Sir Winston Churchill, and many others…
An identical restoration
This exceptional architecture, which has inspired so many artists, is currently in a state of disrepair that requires restoration work: the walls are cracked, the priory roof is losing its tiles, and the wooden floors have collapsed. This restoration has been envisioned for many years but never came to fruition due to lack of funds. It is therefore imperative today to undertake it. It is a necessity to preserve the city’s heritage and ensure good conditions for welcoming the public.
The current project proposes a restoration that is identical to the original by preserving or restoring the original works and materials. The aim is to restore the chapel to its full splendor and allow this place to regain its religious function, while converting the priory into a cultural center.
This renovation project is based on the study conducted in 2005 by Mr. Gatier, Chief Architect of Historic Monuments, and on the preliminary project carried out in May 2011 by the Donjerkovic architectural office. It notably includes:
– the restoration of plaster and whitewashes respecting original colors and granulometries;
– reopening filled-in openings;
– refurbishing the electrical networks to allow site lighting;
– restoring the terracotta floor tiles, carpentry, and refreshing the paintings.
The priory will be rehabilitated to be converted into exhibition, documentation halls, and artistic expression workshops.
Outside, restoration of retaining walls, cobblestones, and pathways is planned, with cleaning of ancient stones. The surroundings of the chapel will also be arranged to accommodate removable structures to organize cultural events respecting the solemnity of the place.
Additionally, a study is ongoing to detect potential decorations beneath visible layers of paint.
At the time of printing, we are awaiting the submission of the analysis report. If any frescoes are discovered, they will be updated and restored.
