The shrine of Sainte-Anne d’Auray dates back to the 17th century, when a “majestic lady” appeared to Yves Nicolazic, a devout labourer from the village of Ker Anna. The woman was Saint Anne, mother of Mary, grandmother of Jesus. On the night of 25 July 1624, she asked him to rebuild a chapel which had been dedicated to her in the 6th century. Once the chapel was built the news spread throughout Brittany and pilgrims set out for Sainte-Anne d’Auray, giving rise to the region’s largest pilgrimage. However, in the 19th century, the numbers became so great that the chapel was deemed too small and therefore to solve this problem the basilica was built between 1865 and 1872.

The basilica (1865/1872): dedicated to Saint Anne; it is the heart of the shrine. The architect Desperthes managed to combine the enthusiasm of the Gothic with the grace of the Renaissance. In the interior, the stained-glass windows describe the major stages of the shrine’s history. The altar of devotion to Saint Anne has a gilded wooden statue of Anne and Mary. It is part of an altarpiece composed of marble medallions which recount the life of Saint Anne and Joachim. A reliquary houses a gift from Anne of Austria. On one of the pillars of the choir, a bas-relief depicts Yves Nicolazic and his companions miraculously discovering the statue from the original chapel on the night of 7 March 1625.

The Cloister (1638-1641): this cloister built by the Carmelite fathers is the oldest monument of the shrine. It is composed of an ambulatory and an upper floor where the fathers lived. The ground floor was also used by pilgrims. The whole complex is a listed Historic Monument.

The fountain (1898): site of the first major appearance of Saint Anne to Yves Nicolazic. It was enlarged at the end of the 19th century.

The Scala Sancta (1622): for 300 years, a place of celebrations for large open-air gatherings. It was originally used as a monumental gateway to the shrine and was sited on what is now the parvis of the basilica. It was moved stone by stone during the construction of the basilica.

The Memorial (1922-1932): erected in memory of the Bretons who died in the First World War.

Espace Jean-Paul II: was created following the visit of the Pope on 20 September 1996.

The Treasury museum: houses ex votos, i.e. gifts offered in thanks to Saint Anne.

Nicolazic’s house: 200 m from the basilica, it houses Breton furniture and an oratory.

Guide point	Details
Department:	North West France > Brittany > Morbihan >
Quick links to accommodation:	Accommodation near Ste Anne D Auray (Morbihan) - Hotels in Ste Anne D Auray (Morbihan) Show accommodation in Morbihan - Self catering in Morbihan - Bed and Breakfast in Morbihan properties with pools in Morbihan -