Exploring Balagne? The Notre-Dame de la Serra Chapel is worth a visit during your stay in Calvi. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the gulf, this small white chapel offers one of the most beautiful views in Corsica of the citadel and the bay. We were captivated by the panoramic view, the atmosphere of the place, and the surprising presence of rocks jutting out right in the middle of the site.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a great time!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Notre-Dame de la Serra Chapel?
Is the Notre-Dame de la Serra Chapel worth a visit? Our opinion:
Yes, it’s definitely worth the detour. We loved the bird’s-eye view of the citadel of Calvi and its gulf, as well as the unique atmosphere surrounding the chapel, which is nestled among a curious cluster of rocks. It’s one of the best things to do in Balagne!
If you have a little time in Calvi, this is a must-see!
Our favorite moments
Here are the things that made the biggest impression on us during our visit:
- The panoramic view of the Calvi citadel and the gulf, which is particularly spectacular at sunset and sunrise.
- The peaceful atmosphere that surrounds the chapel, away from the hustle and bustle of the seaside.
- The rocks that rise up unexpectedly right in the heart of the site, giving the place an almost mysterious atmosphere.
WHERE TO STAY IN Calvi
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Option1: Around the citadel
Hotel Kasano with its modern decor and beautiful views – see photos and availability
Option 2: Beach side
Hotel Onda with its charming decor – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3: on the heights and in the surrounding villages
Hotel La Villa Calvi, 5 stars – See prices, photos and availability
See all our reviews in our article on the best hotels in Calvi.
Directions and Map: Notre-Dame de la Serra Chapel, Calvi
Where is the Notre-Dame de la Serra Chapel located?
- South of Calvi
- 10-minute drive
How to get there?
From downtown Calvi, the chapel is best reached by car, via a small, winding road that climbs up to the hills above the town. We advise you to drive carefully on this route, as the road is narrow in some places.
It can also be reached on a hike from Calvi (see below).
Toward the end, the road gets narrower, but it loops around, which means you don’t have to pass any other vehicles, so it’s not a problem.
Parking
Free parking is available on site
Large enough and paved.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit and duration of visit
We strongly recommend that you visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the Gulf of Calvi, a moment that visitors particularly enjoy.
Plan on spending about 30 minutes there to enjoy the view and explore the site.
Difficulties
Once you reach the parking lot, there are a few steps and uneven cobblestones leading to the enclosure. Once inside the grounds, it’s easy to get around.
Advice on how to visit
There is no specific recommended route for visiting this small site. We simply recommend that you walk around the headland to enjoy the various views of Calvi and its gulf before stopping in front of the chapel itself.
Schedules and rates
Admission to the site is free and open to the public, and you can enjoy the view at any time of day. However, the chapel is only open to the public on an occasional basis: volunteers from the parish sometimes staff it. The rest of the time, the chapel remains closed to the public due to a lack of supervision. But you can always walk around the wall and enjoy the views.
Catering
There is no restaurant on the chapel grounds. On the other hand, Calvi, just a few minutes’ drive away, offers a wide variety of places to eat, particularly along the harbor and the citadel. Voir notre sélection des meilleurs restaurants de Calvi.
A chapel perched high above the Gulf of Calvi
The Notre-Dame de la Serra Chapel stands on a rocky promontory overlooking Calvi Bay, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. We liked the building’s minimalist design, which contrasts with the surrounding rocky landscape.
It was built in 1479 and rebuilt in 1850 and 1860 in the Corsican Baroque style. It had been destroyed during the siege of Calvi in 1794.
Around the chapel, you’ll notice imposing boulders that seem to have sprung up right in the middle of the site, giving the whole place a unique look. This atmosphere—both serene and a bit untamed—made a particular impression on us during our visit.
It is located at an altitude of about 100 meters.
The statue
In the center of the enclosure stands a rock formation topped by a statue of Our Lady. The original marble statue (erected in 1935) was destroyed by lightning. That’s what we saw during our visit. The current statue, which is identical to the previous one, was installed in 2023.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
AT North Corsica
- Introduction to diving – see options
- Snokeling trip – see options + availability
- Quad between sea and mountains – see photos + availability
- Canyoning – see options
- 4WD tour – see options
One of the most beautiful panoramic views in Balagne
People climb up to Notre-Dame de la Serra mainly for the view. From the promontory, you’ll be able to take in the entire Gulf of Calvi, its fortified citadel, and the surrounding peaks. We took the time to sit down for a while and enjoy the view.
Let yourself be swept away by the peaceful atmosphere of the place, and take a stroll around to enjoy the view from the edges of the site, among the rocks that dot the top of the promontory.
Hiking and Biking
The natural area around the chapel is ideal for hiking and biking.
You can also hike up to the chapel via a trail that starts at the Santore trailhead near downtown Calvi. The round-trip takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, with an elevation gain of 200 meters.
