The idea of erecting an oratory on this land was presented to Monsignor Le Camus, Bishop of Saintes and La Rochelle in 1903. The project was approved and, a year later, the building saw the light of day. Consisting of a nave in exposed stone and a narthex bell tower, the chapel can accommodate 15 to 20 people. The baptism of the Jeannette bell, the blessing of the oratory dedicated to Notre Dame as well as the first mass took place on August 25, 1904.
Having become too small to accommodate all the faithful, the chapel underwent some modifications in 1908, in particular an enlargement, and the stone nave gave way to a longer and much wider brick nave. Monsignor Augouard, Bishop of Congo-Brazzaville blesses the Chapel again for the occasion.
Following the feat of Louis Blériot crossing the English Channel in an airplane in 1909, the chapel then dedicated to Notre Dame became the chapel of the Aviators and then a little later that of the Sailors. When Joseph Odelin died in 1927, the chapel was offered to the diocese. During the Second World War and like the Royan coast, the bombings did not spare the chapel of the airmen, rebuilt in 1947.
Created in 2005, the association of Friends of Notre Dame du Platin has the mission of bringing to life and maintaining the Chapel of the Aviators. Masses are celebrated there throughout the summer and the pilgrimage at the end of August closes the summer season.
On the occasion of the guided tour of the Sentier des Douaniers, we invite you to discover the interior of the chapel and admire the models of planes it houses, offerings also called ex-voto.