The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Sainte-Anne-d'Auray, France

On the night of March 7, 1625, a Breton peasant named Yves Nicolazic followed a mysterious torch through the darkness to a field called Bocenno. There, guided by St. Anne herself who had appeared to him repeatedly since 1623, he unearthed an ancient wooden statue of the grandmother of Jesus - a relic of a seventh-century chapel long forgotten. Within days, pilgrims began arriving in droves to venerate the miraculous image, and they have never stopped coming. Today, Sainte-Anne-d'Auray stands as the only place in the world where St. Anne has appeared, drawing over 800,000 pilgrims annually to this corner of Brittany. It ranks as France's third most visited pilgrimage site after Lourdes and Lisieux. Each July, the Grand Pardon - a uniquely Breton form of pilgrimage seeking divine mercy - brings tens of thousands to honor St. Anne, patron saint of Brittany, in celebrations that blend ancient Celtic faith with Catholic devotion.

📜 History & Spiritual Significance

Devotion to St. Anne in Brittany traces back to the seventh century, when Bishop St. Meriadec erected a chapel in her honor at Keranna and placed within it a precious wooden statue. This sanctuary was destroyed by raiders, and the statue lay buried and forgotten for nearly a millennium until Providence intervened through an illiterate farmer. Yves Nicolazic (1591-1645) was a simple peasant who spoke only Breton and could neither read nor write, yet was known throughout his village for his deep prayer life and charity. In August 1623, while watering his oxen at a fountain, he saw a radiant lady in white - the first of many apparitions. St. Anne revealed herself with the words "I am Anne, mother of Mary" and commanded him to rebuild the chapel that once stood on that spot. Bishop Sebastien de Rosmadec investigated the apparitions and recognized both Nicolazic's good faith and their authenticity. A chapel was completed in 1628 on the site where the statue was discovered. The Carmelite fathers assumed care of the growing pilgrimage, building the cloister and Scala Sancta that still stand today. As the seventeenth-century chapel fell into ruin, Pope Pius IX ordered a grander monument built. The present neo-Gothic basilica rose between 1865 and 1872 and was elevated to minor basilica status. On July 26, 1914, Pope Pius X declared St. Anne patron saint of Brittany. Pope John Paul II became the first pontiff to visit the shrine, celebrating Mass for 150,000 faithful on September 20, 1996. A relic of the saint pope has rested in the basilica since 2014.

☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Sainte-Anne-d'Auray

Basilique Sainte-Anne-d'Auray

Basilica of St. Anne of Auray The neo-Gothic basilica dominates the sanctuary with its soaring spire visible across the Breton countryside. The interior houses the miraculous statue discovered by Nicolazic in 1625, now enshrined above the high altar. Stained glass windows depict the apparitions and the life of St. Anne. The walls display countless ex-votos left by grateful pilgrims over four centuries. A relic of Pope John Paul II, who celebrated Mass here in 1996, rests in a side chapel. Address 12 Rue de Vannes, 56400 Sainte-Anne-d'Auray, France GPS 47.702500, -2.952222 Map Google Maps Web sainteanne-sanctuaire.com

Scala Sancta

Holy Stairs Built by the Carmelite fathers in 1662, this monumental staircase was modeled on the Holy Stairs in Rome that Christ ascended during his Passion. Pilgrims climb the steps on their knees while praying the Rosary or meditating on Christ's suffering. Originally standing before the chapel, the entire structure was dismantled stone by stone in 1870 and relocated to its present position during construction of the basilica. Classified as a Historic Monument.

Le Cloitre

The Cloister The oldest monument in Sainte-Anne-d'Auray, built in the seventeenth century by the Carmelite fathers who cared for pilgrims after Nicolazic's death. The graceful arcaded galleries surround a peaceful garden, offering pilgrims a contemplative space. The walls display an exceptional collection of votive offerings spanning four centuries, each one a testimony to prayers answered through St. Anne's intercession.

Memorial des Bretons

Breton War Memorial Built from 1922 to honor the 240,000 Bretons who died in the First World War, this solemn monument stands within the sanctuary grounds. The names of the fallen are inscribed on the walls, transforming the memorial into a sacred space of remembrance where pilgrims pray for the repose of souls. Pope John Paul II gathered young families here during his 1996 visit.

Maison de Nicolazic

Nicolazic's House The farmhouse where Yves Nicolazic lived with his family stands a short distance from the basilica. Severely damaged by fire in 1902, it was faithfully restored five years later. A statue of St. Anne marks the site of the barn where she appeared to the humble farmer. Pilgrims visit to honor the visionary and pray in the place where heaven touched earth.

🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations

Grand Pardon de Sainte-Anne - July 25-26

The Great Pardon is Brittany's largest pilgrimage, drawing 20,000-30,000 faithful annually. A pardon is a uniquely Breton form of pilgrimage dating to the Celtic monks of the fifth century, seeking divine mercy and forgiveness. Celebrations begin the evening of July 25 with First Vespers, confessions, solemn Mass, and a candlelight procession retracing Nicolazic's steps following St. Anne's torch. An all-night vigil leads to Masses in both French and Breton on July 26, the feast of St. Anne. Traditional Breton costumes, hymns, and festivities follow the religious observances.

Feast of St. Anne - July 26

The patronal feast of Brittany since 1914, when Pope Pius X declared St. Anne the region's patron saint. Even outside the Grand Pardon, this day sees substantial pilgrimages from across France and beyond. Solemn Masses, veneration of the miraculous statue, and blessing of the sick mark the celebrations.

Pilgrimage Season - May through October

Parish pilgrimages and organized groups arrive throughout the warmer months. The sanctuary offers regular Masses, confession, guided tours, and opportunities for prayer before the miraculous statue. Sainte-Anne-d'Auray lies on the Way of St. James, welcoming Compostela pilgrims passing through Brittany.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Brit Hotel Kara - 3-star hotel 600 meters from the basilica with 24 rooms, seasonal outdoor pool, restaurant serving French cuisine, and garden terrace. Rated 8.7 on Booking.com. Website - Reserve this hotel L'Auberg'ine - Maison Glenn Anna - Charming 2-star hotel directly opposite the basilica, a one-minute walk from the sanctuary entrance. Restaurant, bar, and terrace. Excellent location for pilgrims. Reserve this hotel Hotels in Auray - The nearby town of Auray (6 km) offers additional accommodation options including the ibis Auray and Le Celtic, with easy bus connections to the sanctuary.

🚗 Getting There

Sainte-Anne-d'Auray lies in the Morbihan department of Brittany, between Vannes and Lorient, in the heart of the Gulf of Morbihan region. By Air: Lorient South Brittany Airport (LRT) is 50 km away. Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), 130 km, offers more international connections with onward train service. By Train: TGV service from Paris Montparnasse to Auray station (3 hours). From Auray, BreizhGo Bus Line 05 reaches Sainte-Anne-d'Auray in 15 minutes. By Bus: BreizhGo regional buses connect from Vannes (Line 05, 35 minutes) and Auray (Line 05, 15 minutes). Services run every 2-4 hours daily. By Car: From Vannes, 15 km via D779 (20 minutes). From Auray, 6 km via D17 (10 minutes). From Nantes, 130 km via N165 (1 hour 30 minutes). Free parking at the sanctuary.

📚 Further Reading

Books: Jason, Ronald. The Life of St. Anne - A comprehensive biography of the grandmother of Jesus, exploring her life, virtues, and enduring devotion.

🔗 Useful Links

Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-d'Auray - Official sanctuary website with Mass schedules, history, and pilgrimage information. Morbihan Tourisme - Regional tourism information for the sanctuary and surrounding Brittany countryside. BreizhGo - Regional transportation network for bus connections throughout Brittany.

🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations

Vannes Cathedral (15 km) - The Cathedral of St. Peter houses the tomb of St. Vincent Ferrer, the Dominican friar who died at Vannes in 1419 while preaching throughout Europe. Chartres Cathedral (350 km) - France's greatest Gothic cathedral, home to the Sancta Camisa, the veil believed worn by the Virgin Mary. The annual Paris-Chartres pilgrimage draws 15,000 walkers each Pentecost. Mont Saint-Michel (150 km) - The island abbey dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, rising from the tidal flats of Normandy. One of Christianity's most spectacular pilgrimage sites since the eighth century.

🪶 Closing Reflection

"In this holy place, generations of Bretons have come to entrust their joys and sorrows to the grandmother of Jesus. May Saint Anne continue to intercede for all families."

• Pope John Paul II, Homily at Sainte-Anne-d'Auray, September 20, 1996