Notre Dame de Vie is not a chapel like the others. It is said that the whole world came to visit It, starting with Pablo Picasso….

Historical monument

Listed as a historical monument since 1927, this chapel is one of the most visited sites in the Alpes-Maritimes department. If the incredible preservation of its Romanesque origin is surprising, the atmosphere that reigns there retains.

A unique story

Built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the middle of the 17th century, the chapel was formerly a sanctuary of respite. Stillborn children were welcomed there to be baptized. It is said that this rare practice involved resuscitating children for a few moments in order to assure them of eternal peace through baptism. It is also said that “the whole world came to admire the chapel”. Indeed, she will have seen thousands of admirers, including Charlie Chaplin, Jean Cocteau or Arthur Rubinstein. It is in this site that Pablo Picasso ended his life, attracted by the calm and the voluptuousness of the place. He then lived in the Mas Notre-Dame-de-Vie called Antre du Minotaure, a property adjoining the chapel.

It inspired Pablo Picasso

The prestige of this building is such that it inspired Pablo Picasso, who also depicted it in one of his paintings. In an exquisite environment, this masterpiece offers peace and serenity to all who venture there. Dedicated above all to worship, the chapel has gathered many followers of the Blessed Virgin Advocate of Mougins. Even today, one can admire on the walls of the monument the ex-votos testifying to the enthusiasm aroused by this religious figure. Apart from the Latin hymns that resonated in the hills, the great convivial festivals also punctuated the life of the chapel. In 2012, it was restored by the city and is now a museum while retaining its function as a chapel. Between its architectural interest and its particular history, it has a very elegant simplicity.