A Town of Art and History, Paray-le-Monial sees its population increase tenfold at certain times of the year. Tourists, of course, drawn by the beauty of the old quarters and monuments, the jewel of which is undoubtedly the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a masterpiece of Cluniac architecture. But it's mainly pilgrims who come here, as Paray-le-Monial is a world-renowned place of pilgrimage, one of France's nine sanctuary cities.The town's spiritual history dates back to 1671, when Marguerite-Marie Alacoque entered the Visitation convent. The young girl had numerous apparitions, authenticated by her Jesuit confessor, Saint Claude La Colombière. As a result, Sacred Heart spirituality spread throughout the world. In 1873, on the occasion of the bicentenary of the apparitions, the great pilgrimages began. In 1875, Pope Pius IX elevated the church at Paray to the rank of basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart. Sister Marguerite-Marie was canonized in 1920.The visit of Pope John Paul II on October 5, 1986, gave the town a new lease of life and brought an influx of pilgrims. Paray-le-Monial's architectural heritage is not its only attraction. Water also invites meditation and contemplation. Strolls along the Canal du Centre or the Bourbince River are a delight, as is the gastronomy, which is well represented here.In 2023, the town celebrated its 1050th anniversary, 973 being the date on which Count Lambert de Chalon founded the Benedictine monastery.

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Intérieur de la basilique du sacré-coeur, Paray-le-Monial. PackShot - stock.adobe.com
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur.
La basilique de Paray-le-Monial PHOVOIR

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