Sanctuary of Ste-Anne d'Auray

The history of Sainte-Anne d'Auray is said to have begun in the 17th century, with the apparitions of Saint Anne, mother of Mary, to Yves Nicolazic, a pious village ploughman. At the time, Ste-Anne d'Auray was a hamlet called Ker Anna, "Anne's village" in Breton. The news spread throughout Brittany and pilgrims set off for Sainte-Anne d'Auray, giving rise to the region's largest pilgrimage. By the 19th century, the number of pilgrims had reached such proportions that the chapel had become too small. To remedy the situation, a basilica was built between 1865 and 1872 by the architect Desperthes.Every July 26, the village welcomes thousands of pilgrims for the Grand Pardon.As you visit the sanctuary, you'll discover a number of different religious buildings:- The cloister, built in the 17th century by the Carmelite fathers- The Basilica, which replaces the chapel. The Basilica, which replaced the chapel in the 19th century; - The Scala sancta: holy staircase, originally placed in front of the chapel; - The Memorial, built in memory of Breton victims of the 1st World War; - The Espace Jean-Paul II, created following the Pope's visit in 1996. Open daily 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2 p.m.-7 p.m. Click here for a guided tour of the sanctuary.