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Current presbytery

Formerly the Hôtel Notre-Dame des Anges, it became a presbytery on the death of the Holy Curé, as his successor did not want to live in his house.

Basilica

When Abbé Vianney arrived in Ars, the 12th-century church of Saint Sixtus had only one nave and one chapel (that of the Virgin Mary). Little by little, he had others built and fitted out.On the left is the pulpit from which he preached; opposite, the small pulpit where he taught catechism.The most famous confessional is in the former sacristy; the former high altar is in the chapel of St. John the Baptist.The basilica was built by the architect Bossan after the death of the Curé d'Ars in 1862; the church has been preserved as the Curé d'Ars knew it.The shrine containing his intact body is on display in the right-hand chapel.

Maison du Saint

Placed at his disposal by the Comtesse des Garets, the Curé d'Ars gave her back all his valuable furniture so that he could live in the same poverty as his parishioners. He lived there for 41 years, and the house, especially his bedroom, remains as it was when he died. His personal objects are on display.

Church of Our Lady of Mercy

Built in 1962 by architect Pinsard, it was declared a "remarkable 20th-century monument" in 2008. The granite altar is original; the ambo is by Jean-François Ferraton (2007).

Way of the Cross - meadow

To the Meeting Monument

The candle lantern

It houses the famous statue of the Curé d'Ars at prayer, created by sculptor Émilien Cabuchet from the small wax bust he had secretly modeled in his hat during a catechism of the Saint. You can place your prayer intentions here, or a candle, as a sign of prayer and trust in his intercession.

Store - Librairie du Sanctuaire

Tonneau Cross

In 1840, the Curé d'Ars made his first attempt to escape, feeling unable to fulfill his mission. He is stopped at the Croix du Tonneau by the villagers.

Holy Door of Mercy

La Providence (Chapelle de l'Adoration)

Pilgrim shelter

Available during the day for groups of pilgrims on prior request at reception.

Chapelle du cœur

Built in 1930, it contains the relic of the Holy Curé's heart. A notebook is available to record the names of priests you wish to entrust to the Saint's intercession.

Foyer sacerdotal Jean-Paul II

Built on the site of the marquee erected for the visit of Pope John Paul II, it houses the international seminary of the Société Jean-Marie Vianney and a hostel for visiting priests.

Video room

Available during the day for groups of pilgrims on prior request at reception.

Jardin du Saint

On his arrival, the Curé d'Ars found a deserted parish. He'll start by inviting the children to pick fruit, play and pray with him in his garden. It features an unusual sundial.

Wax Museum Tourist Office

Through GRÉVIN wax statues, relive the highlights of the life of the saintly Curé d'Ars in two areas:

Exhibition: the great events of his century
A journey through 17 scenes from his life.

La Providence

In 1824, Jean-Marie Vianney asked Benoîte Lardet and Catherine Lassagne to open "La Providence", a home for girls, mainly orphans. He wants them to become good mothers. His first priority is to educate them.

Maison Saint Jean

Esplanade cross

Cross installed in July 1847 in memory of a mission. Many were built after the revolutionary upheaval.

Access to the underground church

Construction began in 1959, to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of the saintly Curé d'Ars. It has been awarded the "Heritage of the 20th Century" label. Designed by architects Pierre Pinsard and Hugo Vollmar, the church can accommodate up to 1,500 pilgrims. Inaugurated in 1962, it was renamed Notre-Dame de la Miséricorde in 2006.