Sainte Anne D’Auray, Spiritual Capital of Brittany.

The spiritual capital of Brittany, for almost 4 centuries SAINTE ANNE D'AURAY has represented the largest place of pilgrimage in Brittany. Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus has been venerated there since the Vth century.

In the XVIIth century, Saint Anne appeared several times to Yves Nicolazic, a devout ploughman.
On 7th March 1625, in the Bocenno field, he discovered an old statue of the saint.
After an enquiry, the Bishop of Vannes acknowledged the authenticity of these apparitions. He authorised the construction of a chapel in honour of Saint Anne. This chapel very quickly became too small to accommodate all the pilgrims; it was replaced by the present basilica (1865-1872).
The Basilica of SAINTE ANNE D'AURAY allies Gothic enthusiasm with the grace of the Renaissance style. At the top of its tower (75 m), there is a bronze statue depicting Saint Anne, a torch in her hand.

On 20th September 1996, SAINTE ANNE D'AURAY welcomed Pope John Paul II. On that day, 150 000 pilgrims greeted him under a radiant sun.

Other visits:
The XVIIth century cloister, the Fountain, the Scala Sancta, the Memorial to the victims of the 14-18 war, the Treasure and the Gallery of Popular Religious Art, the Museum of Breton Costume, the House of Yves Nicolazic, "L'Historial" wax museum, the Monument to the Comte de Chambord, Espace Jean-Paul II (inaugurated on 20/09/97), the National Necropolis.

Between sea and greenery, SAINTE ANNE D'AURAY, welcomes you for a stay rich in discovery!