Discover the sanctuary of Sainte Anne d'Auray, a major pilgrimage site in Brittany
The sanctuary of Sainte-Anne d'Auray is a place strongly marked by spirituality in southern Brittany.
A few kilometres from the pretty medieval town of Auray, Sainte-Anne d'Auray is one of the most prestigious sanctuaries in Brittany, honoured by the visit of Pope John Paul II in September 1996. It is also the founder of Villes Sanctuaires de France network.
Every year, between 300,000 and 400,000 pilgrims come to the only site in the world where Saint Anne made an apparition. In the heart of a 7 hectare park, the sanctuary offers several areas of calm and rejuvenation.
L’histoire du pèlerinage de Sainte-Anne d’Auray
During an apparition, Saint Anne asked Nicolazic to rebuild this primitive chapel. The news spread throughout Brittany and pilgrims set off for Sainte-Anne-d'Auray, resulting in the largest pilgrimage in the region.
In the 19th century, the crowds were so big that the chapel built by Yvon Nicolazic became too small. To solve this problem, the basilica was built between 1865 and 1872 by architect Deperthes.
On July 26th of every year, the sanctuary of Sainte-Anne d'Auray welcomes thousands of people for its Grand Pardon, a spiritual gathering.
La basilique de Sainte-Anne d’Auray
La visite de la basilique de Sainte-Anne d’Auray est un temps fort pour les pèlerins et visiteurs d’un jour. Elle allie styles Gothique et Renaissance.
A l’intérieur de la basilique de Sainte-Anne d’Auray, vous découvrez de somptueux vitraux rappelant les apparitions, le pèlerinage et la vie de Sainte-Anne.
Le cloître, situé derrière la basilique, a été construit au 17e siècle par les pères Carme. C’est le plus ancien monument de la ville. Observez son architecture exceptionnelle avec sa collection d’ex-voto.
Puis, poursuivez la découverte du sanctuaire en vous promenant dans le parc où d’autres monuments religieux s’y dressent : la Scala santa, la stèle des marins, et l’espace Jean-Paul II. Le Mémorial est un lieu du souvenir à la mémoire des 240 000 bretons morts durant la Grande Guerre.
The Basilica of Sainte-Anne d'Auray
The visit to the Basilica of Sainte-Anne d'Auray is a highlight for pilgrims and day visitors. It combines Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Inside the Basilica of Sainte-Anne d'Auray, discover the sumptuous stained glass windows reminiscent of the apparitions, the pilgrimage and the life of Sainte-Anne.
The cloister, located behind the basilica, was built in the 17th century by the Carme fathers. It is the oldest monument in the city. Take a look at its exceptional architecture with its collection of votive offerings.
Then, keep on discovering the sanctuary by strolling through the park where other religious monuments stand: the Scala santa, the sailors' stele, and the John Paul II space. The Memorial is a place of remembrance in memory of the 240,000 Bretons who died during the Great War.
Sur les traces du Chemin de Compostelle
Un sentier pédestre qui mène à Saint-Jacques de Compostelle vous invite à traverser Brec'h en direction de Sainte-Anne d'Auray. Comptez 5,5 km, soit environ 1h, au départ de la chapelle Saint-Jacques à Brec'h, en passant par le pont de Brec'h pour rejoindre le sanctuaire. Une boucle de 15,6 km vous permet aussi de relier Brec'h et Sainte Anne en passant par le village de St Dégan et le moulin d'Estaing.