Circuit spirituel de Paray-le-Monial
Departure from the Tourist Office (1). Go behind the Basilica (at the level of the chevet) then enter the Parc des Chapelains and diorama (2).
It was created to welcome pilgrims since the bicentenary of the Apparitions in 1875. Around 1902, a dome was erected in the center of the park, where celebrations are still held. On the left is the "Diorama" where 18 paintings and scenes in relief present the Apparitions of Christ to the Visitation of Margaret Mary.
When you leave the Chapelains' park, turn right on rue de la Visitation. After the hotel of the Basilica on the left, you will find the Pilgrims' Reception (3).
It houses an exhibition of 17th century religious objects, some of which were used by Marguerite-Marie Alacoque. A film allows you to discover the history and the actuality of the message of the Apparitions.
Opposite the Pilgrims' reception area is the Chapel of the Visitation, known as the Chapel of the Apparitions (4). It is in this place that the Visitor Marguerite-Marie Alacoque received the Apparitions of the Heart of Jesus between 1673 and 1675, authenticated by her confessor, the Jesuit Father Claude La Colombière. Margaret Mary was canonized by Benedict XV in 1920. Today, one can meditate in front of her wax recumbent.
Continue along rue de la Visitatation then turn right on rue de la Paix then avenue de Charolles until you reach the chapel N.D de Romay (5). This place was used as a stone quarry during the construction of the basilica.
Go back towards the city center, avenue de Charolles then rue de la Paix. At the crossroads, you arrive at the museum of Hiéron (6). Discover the National Treasure of Joseph Chaumet, jeweler of the whole of Paris, a piece of goldsmithery of three meters by three representing the life of Christ but also the Romanesque portal of Anzy-le-Duc, Italian paintings of the 17th and 18th centuries, a collection of modern and contemporary art.
Cross the road to the right of the museum. The chapel La Colombière (7) of Byzantine inspiration, is enriched inside with mosaics and stained glasses of the Mauméjean brothers.
Go back towards the museum then go down the rue de la Visitation to the Tourist Office (8).
