The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to La Salette, France

La Salette is a major Catholic pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary appeared to two children in 1846, bringing a message of reconciliation and conversion.

High in the French Alps, where mountain mists meet heaven's light, the Blessed Virgin Mary came weeping to call her children back to God. On September 19, 1846, two young cowherds—Mélanie Calvat (14) and Maximin Giraud (11)—witnessed an apparition that would transform this remote alpine meadow into one of France's most cherished Marian sanctuaries. The weeping Madonna of La Salette delivered an urgent message of reconciliation that continues to resonate with pilgrims nearly two centuries later. Whether you come seeking deeper conversion, drawn by the tears of Our Lady, or simply desiring time apart in the mountain silence, La Salette offers an encounter with Mary at her most maternal—a mother grieving for her wayward children while never ceasing to intercede for them.

📜 History & Spiritual Significance

The apparition occurred during a period of profound spiritual crisis in post-Revolutionary France. Around 3:00 PM on that September afternoon, while the children rested near a dried spring at an elevation of 1,800 meters, they saw a globe of brilliant light descend into the ravine. Within the light appeared a woman seated on a stone, her face buried in her hands, weeping inconsolably. The "Beautiful Lady," as the children called her, wore a distinctive crucifix bearing a hammer and pincers—symbols representing humanity's sins that nail Christ to the cross and the acts of reparation that can remove them. She spoke first in French, then in the local patois, lamenting the people's failure to keep holy the Sabbath and their habit of taking God's name in vain. Her tears, she explained, were shed in constant intercession to restrain her Son's arm of justice. Bishop Philibert de Bruillard of Grenoble convened a canonical investigation that examined the children's testimony, the consistency of their accounts, and the spiritual fruits emerging from the event. On September 19, 1851—exactly five years after the apparition—he formally declared that the apparition "bears within itself all the characteristics of truth" and authorized public devotion to Our Lady of La Salette. The Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette were founded in 1852 to serve the growing pilgrimage and spread Mary's message of reconciliation. Construction of the basilica began that same year on the apparition site, completed in 1879 when Pope Leo XIII elevated it to the rank of Minor Basilica and granted a canonical coronation to the image of Our Lady.

☩ Basilica of Our Lady of La Salette

The sanctuary crowns the mountain at 1,800 meters elevation, surrounded by alpine meadows and commanding views of the Obiou and surrounding peaks. The complex includes the basilica, the apparition site below, pilgrim accommodations, and walking paths for meditation.

Basilique Notre-Dame de La Salette

Local Name: Basilique Notre-Dame de La Salette Address: Sanctuaire de Notre-Dame de La Salette, 38970 La Salette-Fallavaux, France GPS Coordinates: 44.8586, 5.9788 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: lasalette.cef.fr Dedication: Our Lady of La Salette, Reconciler of Sinners Historical Note: The first stone was laid on May 25, 1852, amid a large gathering of the faithful. The church was completed and consecrated in 1879, the same year Pope Leo XIII elevated it to Minor Basilica status and granted a canonical coronation to the statue of Our Lady. The interior features remarkable contemporary works by the artist Arcabas, whose vibrant frescoes illuminate the sanctuary with scenes from the apparition and biblical narratives of reconciliation. Spiritual Importance: The basilica stands directly on the site where the Virgin appeared. Pilgrims venerate Our Lady of La Salette under her title "Reconciler of Sinners" (Réconciliatrice des pécheurs), reflecting the central message of conversion and return to God. The sanctuary is a designated place for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, with confessors available daily during pilgrimage season. Opening Hours:

  • Sanctuary grounds: Open year-round (access may be limited November–April due to snow)
  • Basilica: Generally 7:00 AM–7:00 PM during pilgrimage season (June–September)
  • Winter hours vary; contact sanctuary before visiting October–May

Mass Times:

  • Daily Mass during pilgrimage season
  • Sundays: Multiple Masses; check sanctuary website for current schedule
  • Rosary procession: Nightly during summer months (dress warmly—temperatures drop significantly after sunset)

The Apparition Site

Below the basilica, bronze statues mark the three phases of the apparition: the weeping Lady seated in grief, standing as she delivers her message, and ascending the hillside before disappearing into light. Pilgrims walk the path the children followed, meditating on Mary's tears and her urgent call to conversion.

The Miraculous Spring

The dried spring near where Mary appeared began flowing after the apparition and has never ceased since. Pilgrims collect water from this source, which has been associated with numerous healings reported to Church authorities.

🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations

September 19 – Anniversary of the Apparition Basilica of Our Lady of La Salette. The principal feast day draws thousands of pilgrims for solemn celebrations including candlelight processions, the recitation of Mary's message, and Masses celebrated throughout the day. Many pilgrims arrive on foot, having walked from Corps or even Grenoble. August 15 – Assumption of Mary Basilica of Our Lady of La Salette. A major pilgrimage day with special liturgies honoring Mary's heavenly glory. Summer Pilgrimage Season (June–September) The sanctuary welcomes organized pilgrimages, youth groups, and individual pilgrims with daily Mass schedules, confession availability, and guided tours of the apparition site.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Hôtellerie du Sanctuaire ⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Sanctuaire de Notre-Dame de La Salette, 38970 La Salette-Fallavaux, France 📧 Email: reception@lasalette.cef.fr 📞 Phone: +33 4 76 30 00 11 🌐 Website: lasalette.cef.fr The sanctuary operates a large pilgrim hotel with over 400 beds directly adjacent to the basilica. Simple but comfortable rooms allow pilgrims to remain on the mountain for extended stays of prayer and reflection. Full board available. Booking essential during pilgrimage season. Closed November. Boustigue Hotel ⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Route de la Salette, 38970 Corps, France 🔗 Booking: View on Booking.com Family-run hotel between Vercors and Écrins National Parks, featuring outdoor pool with mountain views, sauna, and regional restaurant. Located on the road to La Salette with panoramic views over Lac du Sautet. 10-minute drive to the sanctuary. Hôtel de la Poste ⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Place de l'Église, 38970 Corps, France 🔗 Booking: View on Booking.com Historic coaching inn (1760) on the Route Napoléon in Corps village. Recently renovated boutique hotel with restaurant serving French cuisine, sun terrace, and hot tub. 15 km from the sanctuary.

🚗 Getting There

By Air: The nearest major airport is Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS), approximately 150 km northwest. Rent a car or take regional transport to Grenoble, then continue by bus or car. Grenoble-Alpes-Isère Airport (GNB) offers limited flights and is closer (80 km). By Car from Grenoble (80 km): Take the N85 (Route Napoléon) south to Corps, then follow signs up the mountain road to the sanctuary. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours. Note: The mountain road may be closed during winter months due to snow. Contact the sanctuary before visiting October–May. By Car from Lyon (190 km): Take the A48/A51 motorway south toward Grenoble, then continue on N85 to Corps and up to the sanctuary. Approximately 2.5 hours. By Train: TGV trains serve Grenoble from Paris (3 hours) and Lyon (1 hour). From Grenoble, during summer months shuttle buses operate directly to the sanctuary. Year-round, buses run to Corps, from which taxis ascend to La Salette. By Bus: Regional buses connect Grenoble to Corps. During pilgrimage season (summer), direct shuttle services may operate to the sanctuary. Check schedules at transisere.fr. GPS Coordinates: 44.8586, 5.9788

📚 Further Reading

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🎥 Recommended Videos

🔗 Useful Links

🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations

Ars (150 km northwest, 2 hours) – The Shrine of St. John Vianney, the Curé d'Ars, patron saint of parish priests. The saint initially doubted the La Salette apparition but became an ardent supporter later in life. His incorrupt body rests in the basilica. Grenoble – Cathedral Notre-Dame (80 km north, 1.5 hours) – The ancient episcopal see whose bishop approved the La Salette apparition. The cathedral contains a remarkable 13th-century ciborium. Le Laus (50 km south, 1 hour) – Site of apparitions of Our Lady to Benoîte Rencurel from 1664 to 1718, approved by the Church in 2008. A peaceful alpine sanctuary in the Hautes-Alpes. Turin – Shroud of Turin (200 km east, 2.5 hours) – The Holy Shroud is housed in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Public expositions occur periodically; the chapel is accessible year-round.

🪶 Closing Reflection

Pope St. John Paul II wrote to Bishop Louis Dufaux for the 150th anniversary in 1996, offering words that capture the enduring meaning of La Salette:

"La Salette is a message of hope, for our hope is nourished by the intercession of her who is the Mother of mankind... The Virgin bids us regain spiritual composure. She invites us to penance, to perseverance in prayer, and especially to fidelity in the observance of Sunday... Our alienations are not irreparable. The night of sin surrenders to the light of divine mercy."

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— Pope St. John Paul II, Letter to Bishop Louis Dufaux, May 6, 1996 (Vatican, French)