© Visit Aquitaine
© Lege-Cap-Ferret
La Chapelle de la Villa Algerienne, l'Herbe
A Moorish style church nestled on the coast of the Arcachon Bay
In 1863 Leo Lesca and his brother bought a large estate on the edge of Arcachon basin. When they returned from Algeria, they built a fabulous home, the "Villa Algerian" which was surrounded by a park with the most exotic flora.
Over the years, Leon Lesca develops and transforms this area; he created fish tanks, exploited the forest and the oyster beds, planted a vineyard, built a dozen houses for the staff, a school, a pier, a presbytery church and a chapel.
In 1885, the neo Moorish style chapel is built for Catholic worship. With both Latin and Arabic inscriptions the building reflects the cultural influences of the owner. The chapel was blessed on 8th September 1885 by Father Lacouture. It long remained the only place of worship on the peninsula.
Today, owned by the city of Lege-Cap Ferret, it is listed as a historic monument. In June 2011 a complete renovation was completed.
