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Origin and history

The Sainte-Madeleine de Contis church, located on the seaside resort of Contis in the Landes, was built in 1954. It replaces two previous chapels, the first of which, dedicated to Notre-Dame de Contis, was venerated by local people, especially at the feast of September 8. This early chapel, dating back to 1850, housed a wooden statue of the 16th century Virgin Mary, now preserved in the church of St.Louis of Uza.

The early chapel, in poor condition in the 1850s, was destroyed in 1855 after the transfer of its statue. A second chapel, inaugurated in 1869, was demolished in 1942 by the German army during the occupation. The present building, consecrated in 1954 by Monsignor Saint Germain, incorporates an original altar made from a millstone.

The church now houses a wax reproduction of the statue of Notre-Dame de Contis, made by Daniel Maurice, former lighthouse keeper. The wrought iron niche which welcomes it is the work of Gérard Sourgens. A commemorative plaque adorns the facade, recalling the turbulent history of this place of devotion.

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