The Little Chapel is a real gem and maybe not what you might consider as a kids attraction, but it is always on our list of places to take visitors with kids. Even being called the Little Chapel cannot prepare you for how small the chapel is, to the point that you cannot believe it is big enough for people to fit inside! It is the miniature size of the chapel, alongside it’s beautiful decoration, that makes it fascinating for children (and adults).
Location
The Little Chapel is situated in the parish of St Andrew, off Les Vauxbelets road (on the site of Blanchelande College). Follow the brown road signs which will direct you down the gravel path that leads to the chapel.
There is parking to the right as you enter the gravel drive or follow the drive to the end where you will find a little gift shop and parking for 3 cars. As you drive or walk down the gravel path look out for your first glimpse of the chapel up on the hill on your right hand side.
Background
The Little Chapel was a work of art and labour of love built by Brother Déodat, who started work in March 1914. His plan was to create a miniature version of the famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes in France.
The first version was criticised for measuring only 9 feet long by 4.5 feet wide so Brother Deodat spent the following night demolishing the building. He soon set to work again and, in July 1914, the grotto was completed and officially blessed.
This survived until September 1923 when Brother Deodat demolished it because the Bishop of Portsmouth had not been able to fit through the doorway. He soon set about the construction of a third chapel (that remains today) measuring 16ft (5m) x 9ft (3m) decorated with seashells, pebbles and broken china.
In 1939 Brother Deodat returned to France because of ill health. After his departure the care of the Little Chapel was entrusted to Brother Cephas, who continued to decorate the building until his retirement in 1965. In 1977, a committee was established to restore the chapel and today it falls under the care of Blanchelande College.
The Beauty Of The Little Chapel
The Little Chapel is breathtaking when you first see it thanks to its small size and the stunning decoration. There are steps leading up to the chapel so it is not easily accessible with a pushchair/ wheelchair.
Stepping inside the Little Chapel is quite breathtaking and it takes a few seconds to take it all in. There is a visitor book on the left hand side and it’s lovely to see how far and wide visitors come from.
The biggest surprise is seeing a tiny staircase leading down to the lower level. This is the girls’ favourite part, they think they look like stairs from a fairy tale castle!
The lower level is just as beautiful and there are tea lights (battery operated) that can be purchased for a minimum donation of £2 (money to be put in the honesty box). The glow from the candles illuminates the lower level which makes it feel really special.
You then follow the narrow path down a few more steps which leads to the exit of the chapel.
The exit brings you out onto the gravel path to the right of the Little Chapel (when looking at it from the front of the chapel). I’d be amazed if anyone only goes into the chapel once when they visit. The first walk through highlights the beauty and uniqueness of the place and then when you know what to expect you can really look at the detail and appreciate it on a second walk through.
There is a path that leads around the back of the chapel and this gives you the chance to look closely at the decoration on the outside.
To the left of the chapel there are steps and a beautiful decorated archway leading to an information area. This is well worth a look because it documents the incredible work that has been done to restore the chapel to what it is today.
Gift Shop
If you have some time to spend at the Little Chapel then make sure to pop into the gift shop, located past the chapel. The shop has a good selection of jewellery, along with clocks, Guernsey items, postcards etc they also sell ice creams and they have a customer toilet.
We love a visit to the Little Chapel and even though the girls have been on a number of occasions they still get very excited when they know we are going again. Remember to take your camera as you will not have seen anything like it, though I do struggle to take pictures that do it justice!
We often go to the Little Chapel before dropping visitors off at the airport as it is only a few minutes drive away. We are often only at the Little Chapel for about 15 minutes so it makes a good quick stop off, or you can have a look round the gift shop if you want a longer visit.
Address
Les Vauxbelets, St Andrews, GY6 8XY
Bus Route
71
Opening Times
The Little Chapel is open all year round. From May – Sept it is open daily 9am – 6pm and from Oct – Apr it is open daily from 9am – last light.
Cost Of Entry
There is no charge to enter the chapel as it relies totally on public donations.
When To Visit
Each time we have visited the Little Chapel there have been a few people walking around but it has not been busy, however, I once visited on a day when there were 2 cruise ships docked in St Peter Port. Due to the fact that the cruise ships offer tours of Guernsey which include a stop at the Little Chapel there were 5 coaches parked outside. This resulted in an unpleasant number of people at the site making it very difficult to get near the chapel and there was a very long queue to get inside. If you are not on a cruise ship, if possible, try to steer clear of visiting on cruise ship days or time your visit later in the day when the cruise passengers are back on their ships.
