Tourists on a guided tour of the Colline Notre-Dame du Haut - Vosges du Sud — ©Chapel of Notre-Dame du Haut |La Porterie AONDH - ADAGP 2024

Le Corbusier chapel

Dominating the town of Ronchamp from the top of the Bourlémont hill, the Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut is a major architectural work by Le Corbusier and the only UNESCO site in Haute-Saône. The history of this hill has been marked by successive reconstructions, which we invite you to discover.

Getting there

A centuries-old history

The first written records of Ronchamp’s original chapel date back to the 11th century. Sold as a national asset during the French Revolution, it was bought by several dozen families from Ronchamp to become a private site, a status it still retains today.

In 1913, lightning caused a fire that destroyed the chapel. A new chapel was built, but was again destroyed by bombing during the Second World War. A commission for sacred art was set up to supervise church reconstruction projects. Against all the odds, Le Corbusier, although known for his atheism, was chosen to design the new chapel.

Thanks to this commission, other remarkable projects were created in Franche-Comté, such as the church in Audincourt, renowned for its very modern architecture. The stained glass windows, designed by the painter Fernand Léger, break with traditional conventions: the 17 glass panels are not vertical but horizontal, no single figure is depicted in its entirety, and the various windows are placed side by side, forming a belt of light around the nave.

Le Corbusier And the Chapelle de Ronchamp

The design and the challenges

It wasn’t easy to convince Le Corbusier to go ahead with the project. However, when he finally visited the site, he was immediately won over, particularly by the view from the hill, which he dubbed the “four horizons”.

Work began in 1953, using stones from the old chapel and other materials. The most complex part of the project was undoubtedly the reinforced concrete shell, all curves, requiring hundreds of fir poles to support the formwork. Once removed, these poles left openings in the structure that are still visible today. The shape of the shell was inspired by a crab shell found by the architect on one of his travels.

The four horizons

The chapel, completed in 1955, is designed around four façades oriented towards the four cardinal points, each with its own characteristics.

To the east

Spaces are provided for the celebration of major pilgrimage Masses outdoors.

The South

It marks the main entrance with a large gate and a wall of windows, both painted by Le Corbusier himself.

North

Two side chapels surround the usual entrance.

To the west

A blind façade topped by a gargoyle watching over the water catchment basin.

Small side chapel of Notre-Dame du Haut - Le Corbusier - UNESCO Site - Vosges du Sud — ©Chapel of Notre-Dame du Haut |Charlotte Mosca

Light well in the little red chapel, receiving the rays of the rising sun - Chapelle Notre-Dame du Haut - UNESCO site - Le Corbusier - Vosges du Sud — ©Chapel of Notre-Dame du Haut |Charlotte Mosca

Stained glass windows in the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Haut painted by Le Corbusier - UNESCO Site - Vosges du Sud — ©Chapel of Notre-Dame du Haut |Charlotte Mosca

The importance of light

The use of light is central to this building. The interior is revealed as the day progresses, with the outside light modifying the atmosphere, in particular by playing with the colours of the wall of windows. The sun becomes the master of the premises, creating a subdued or brighter atmosphere depending on the time of day, inviting contemplation.

Inside, there are also three so-called secondary chapels, one of which is painted red, adding an extra touch of light and mystery to the place.

A heritage site Listed by UNESCO

The Chapelle de Ronchamp has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 2016, alongside 16 other sites in 7 countries around the world (Capitol Complex in Chandigarh, India, the National Museum of Fine Arts of the West in Tokyo, the Maison du Docteur Curutchet in La Plata, Argentina…), under the title of “The architectural work of Le Corbusier, an exceptional contribution to the Modern Movement”. It is thus recognised for its unique historical and architectural value.

La Colline Notre-Dame du Haut

The chapel is part of the architectural complex known as the “Colline Notre-Dame du Haut”, which includes several major buildings:

La Porterie and the Clarisse sisters’ monastery, designed by architect Renzo Piano.
The bell tower by Jean Prouvé.
The Pyramid of Peace, the Chaplain’s House and the Pilgrim’s Shelter, three other works by Le Corbusier in Ronchamp.

Visit the Chapel

Much more than just a religious building

The Chapelle de Ronchamp is much more than just a religious building. It is a place of calm and serenity, a shining example of modern architecture and a testament to the genius of Le Corbusier. As the only UNESCO site in Haute-Saône, it is a must-see heritage site that attracts visitors from all over the world. During your stay in Haute-Saône, be sure to visit this architectural gem and let yourself be seduced by its history and timeless beauty.