Journées du patrimoine : Histoire du CFM et de la Chapelle

As part of the European Heritage Days in Hourtin, Demain Hourtin Mon Village (D.H.M.V.) is organising an exhibition to introduce you to the history of the Hourtin Maritime Training Centre (CFM). This former strategic military site, originally a naval air base, was home to thousands of young sailors from 1950 until its closure in 2000.
The CFM chapel is a key feature of this local heritage. Built in stages between 1933 and 1934, then again in 1945 and 1995, it was once used by sailors and their families. The naval air base is said to have been involved in its construction and upkeep, as the villagers of Contaut – mostly military personnel and civilians employed by the base – had no place of worship. The sailors nicknamed this little chapel ‘the Cathedral’.
The exhibition is being held specifically in the hamlet of Contaut, in the immediate vicinity of the nature reserve and the former CFM sites. Picnics are permitted on site. We look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday 19 September 2026 from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.