Brittany:
Shrine of Saint Anne

Brittany : Shrine of Saint Anne

Step into the sacred heart of Brittany on this immersive walking tour, where faith, history, and tradition converge. Explore the Shrine of Saint Anne, a revered site attracting pilgrims and visitors alike, offering a unique journey through centuries of devotion. From sacred chapels to historical landmarks, this tour highlights the spiritual and cultural heritage of Brittany, leaving every visitor inspired and enriched by the stories that shaped this remarkable region.

Tour Highlights

Visit the Shrine of Saint Anne – Explore the sacred site dedicated to Saint Anne, the patron saint of Brittany, revered by pilgrims for centuries.
Experience the Chapels and Sacred Spaces – Discover the beautifully preserved chapels, each reflecting centuries of devotion and miraculous stories.
Learn about the Feast of Saint Anne – Understand the significance of the annual celebrations and processions honoring Saint Anne, a cherished tradition in Brittany.
Walk through Historical Pilgrim Routes – Follow the paths taken by generations of pilgrims, experiencing the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
Stroll the Medieval Streets of Brittany – Admire the charming architecture, quaint squares, and rich history of the surrounding towns and villages.
Pause at Scenic Viewpoints – Enjoy panoramic views of Brittany’s landscapes, providing moments of reflection and inspiration.
Discover Local Sacred Sites – Explore fountains, relics, and other devotional spots tied to centuries of local faith and miracles.
Conclude with Prayer and Reflection – End your journey at the Shrine, taking time for contemplation, gratitude, and spiritual connection.

More Information

Duration : 2 Hours

Tour Inclusions: Experienced tour guide, Entrance to the Shrine of Saint Anne, Small group experience

Tour Exclusions: Personal expenses, hotel pickup, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from the shrine, optional donations, Entrance Fees

Distance: Approximately 1.5 km

Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible

Meeting Point: Please arrive 10 minutes early in front of the main entrance of the Shrine of Saint Anne. Your guide will meet you there. See the Google map for exact location.

Full Description

Brittany: Shrine of Saint Anne

Step into the spiritual heart of Brittany on this immersive walking tour, where faith, history, and tradition converge. Your journey begins at the Shrine of Saint Anne, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in France. Here, you’ll learn about Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, her life, and the enduring legacy that continues to inspire pilgrims from around the world.

Next, explore the sacred chapels and relics within the shrine complex, where centuries of devotion have left a profound spiritual mark. Discover the miraculous stories associated with Saint Anne and understand her role in inspiring generations of believers.

Continue your tour with a stroll through the medieval streets surrounding the shrine, where every corner tells a story of Brittany’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Admire the charming stone houses, local artisan shops, and picturesque squares that create a timeless atmosphere for reflection and discovery.

Pause at key viewpoints around the shrine complex, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside and the spiritual landscape that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Along the way, discover fountains, statues, and sacred landmarks tied to miracles and local devotion.

Conclude your tour back at the Shrine of Saint Anne, providing a moment for quiet prayer, reflection, and gratitude. Leave with a deeper understanding of Brittany’s sacred history, its miraculous traditions, and the enduring Christian faith that continues to resonate through the region.

Religious Importance

Brittany: Shrine of Saint Anne

Perched in the scenic region of Brittany, the Shrine of Saint Anne in Sainte-Anne-d’Auray is one of France’s most cherished pilgrimage destinations. Visitors are drawn not only by its serene surroundings but also by its profound spiritual and historical significance. Among the key sites to explore are the Basilica of Saint Anne, the sacred chapels honoring Saint Anne, the Chapels of Devotion, and the surrounding pilgrimage pathways that have guided the faithful for centuries. Pilgrims come to pray, reflect, and immerse themselves in Brittany’s rich Christian heritage.

The Shrine of Saint Anne and its Miraculous Legacy

The Shrine of Saint Anne is renowned for the miracles and devotions associated with Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary. Pilgrims from across Europe visit to honor her intercession, especially during the feast days and special processions held throughout the year. The site is celebrated for its spiritual energy, where many report moments of healing, inspiration, and personal transformation.

Saint Anne of Brittany

Saint Anne, the revered mother of Mary, has been venerated in Brittany since the 17th century, when her shrine was established in Sainte-Anne-d’Auray. Tradition holds that she appeared in visions to guide and inspire the local faithful. The basilica and its chapels preserve relics and artworks illustrating centuries of devotion, offering visitors a deep connection to the saint’s legacy.

Pilgrimage Pathways and Local Traditions

Brittany’s Shrine of Saint Anne is part of a rich network of pilgrimage routes that have guided the faithful for generations. Pilgrims journey to the shrine along scenic trails, finding in the surrounding countryside a place of reflection, spiritual renewal, and communion with the sacred. The local traditions, processions, and devotional practices continue to draw thousands of visitors each year, ensuring that the spiritual heritage of the region remains vibrant.

Whether walking the pilgrimage paths or visiting the basilica and chapels, the Shrine of Saint Anne offers a timeless journey of faith, history, and devotion, inviting all who come to experience the enduring power of belief in Brittany.

Tips & Practical Notes

Dress Code: Dress with an appropriate dress code for religious sites
Walking & Terrain: The tour involves walking approximately 1.2–1.5 km over cobblestone streets, some gentle slopes, and uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Weather & Clothing: Bolsena’s weather can vary—dress in layers and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in warmer months.
Respectful Conduct: Many stops include sacred sites like the Basilica, catacombs, and chapels. Please maintain respectful silence and follow the guide’s instructions.
Photography: Photos are welcome except where restricted inside sacred areas. Please respect local customs and signage.
Accessibility: If you have mobility concerns, please inform us before booking so we can assist or recommend alternatives.
Language: The tour is conducted in the selected at the reservation stage. Private or multilingual guide options are available upon request.
Health & Safety: Please follow any current health protocols. Inform your guide of allergies or medical needs.
Local Etiquette: Bolsena is a living community with religious traditions—please be courteous to locals and worshippers.
Kids: Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Minimum Participants: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon.
Weather Conditions: Our tours operate in all weather conditions; however, in the event of adverse or unsafe weather, the tour may be cancelled, rescheduled, or modified for safety reasons. In such cases, suitable alternative arrangements or remedies will be considered depending on the circumstances.
Personal Items: Carry light; a small bag or backpack for water, camera, and essentials is recommended.

Cancellation Policy

Full Refund: The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund
Time Zone: Local time is applied in the event of cancellation.
Changes: Any changes to be made before 24 hours to the departure
No Refund: Any changes or cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time will not be eligible for a refund.
Group Size: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon. A full refund will be provided if the tour is cancelled due to the minimum number of participants.
Tour Guide Availability & Language Limitations: We specialize in tours to uncommon and unique religious destinations that are often unavailable on standard tours. Due to limited local guide availability, the requested language may not always be available. In such cases, we will offer alternative options before rescheduling or cancelling the tour. If no alternatives are feasible, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled, with a full refund provided.
Pricing Considerations: We strive to offer competitive pricing, but in some cases, limited supplier availability may affect costs.
Our Mission: As a Catholic tour operator, our primary goal is to provide a meaningful spiritual experience. We focus on destinations that are rarely included in standard tours, ensuring your journey is both unique and spiritually enriching.

Visit Brittany

Plan Your Visit to Brittany

Discover the easiest ways to reach, stay, and enjoy Sainte-Anne-d’Auray — a spiritual gem in Brittany, France, renowned for its faith, history, and cultural charm. Travel times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and schedules.

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Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.

Airport Meet & Assist Services

For a smooth travel experience, take advantage of Meet & Assist services at major airports including Rennes, Nantes, and Paris Charles de Gaulle. A dedicated assistant will greet you, help with luggage, check-in, and security, ensuring a stress-free start or end to your journey. This service is ideal for first-time visitors to France or anyone seeking convenience.

By Air

Rennes Airport (RNS) – ~65 km (~1 hour by car)
Nantes Airport (NTE) – ~150 km (~2 hours by car)
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – ~450 km (~4.5 hours by car/train)

From any airport, you can rent a car or take a train to Auray or Sainte-Anne-d’Auray.

Find the Best Flights – Book your flights with Expedia

By Train

Nearest Station: Auray (TER Brittany line)
From Rennes: ~1 hour | From Nantes: ~1.5 hours | From Paris Montparnasse: ~3.5–4 hours

Find the Best Trains – Book your Trains with Omio

By Car

Drive along scenic routes connecting Rennes, Nantes, and Quimper.

Rennes to Sainte-Anne-d’Auray: ~65 km (~1 hour)
Nantes to Sainte-Anne-d’Auray: ~150 km (~2 hours)

Parking is available near the Basilica and main pilgrimage sites.

Find the Best Rent a Car – Rent your car with Centauto

By Bus

Regional buses connect Sainte-Anne-d’Auray with Auray, Vannes, and nearby towns. Timetables may vary.

Find the Best Buses – Book your Buses with Omio

By Taxi / Private Transfer

Enjoy a comfortable, direct trip from airports or nearby cities. Perfect for small groups or travelers with luggage.

Private Transfers – Book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups

On Foot / Locally

Sainte-Anne-d’Auray is a walkable town. All major sites — the Basilica of Saint Anne, chapels, and local pilgrimage paths — are easily accessible on foot.

Where to Stay in Brittany

Find accommodations within walking distance of the Basilica, pilgrimage center, or town center. Options include boutique hotels, guesthouses, or family-run B&Bs.

Hotels & B&Bs| Unique Local Stays

Find the Best Hotels – Book your Hotels with Expedia or Agoda

Experiences & Activities

Enhance your visit with spiritual and cultural experiences, or explore nearby Brittany treasures.

Book Tours & Activities

Find the Best Tours & Activities

Find tours & day trips on GetYourGuide
Explore cultural & religious tours on Viator

Travel Essentials

Be prepared for a comfortable and enriching visit through Brittany’s historic streets and sacred sites.

Find the Best Travel Essentials

Find your travel accessories on Amazon
Find your Travel Insurance

Religious & Devotional Items

If you cannot visit in person, you can still bring Brittany’s sacred heritage home. Explore authentic devotional items inspired by the Shrine of Saint Anne.

Find the Best Religious & Devotional Items

Find your Religious & Devotional Items on Amazon

Note:

All times, prices, and details are approximate and may vary depending on schedules, seasons, or provider updates. Always check current travel information before booking.

Travel Tip

Combine train travel with local taxi or car rental for the smoothest arrival — balancing comfort, flexibility, and convenience.

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Personalized Tour Requests

Discover the places that matter most to you, even if you’re staying only a short time.
We create fully personalised pilgrimage routes and custom tours designed around your faith, interests and schedule. Whether you want to visit a sacred shrine, a historic basilica, a monastery on a hilltop, or a lesser-known religious site that few travellers reach, we’ll make it possible.

To help you save time, we can arrange private pickup from the airports, ports, Rail Stations or directly from your accommodation. Our team ensures you have direct, stress-free access to the religious destinations you may not have another chance to visit again.

Every itinerary is crafted with care: Private transfers to and from holy sites, Flexible schedules for prayer, reflection, and guided visits, Local experts to share history, spirituality, and traditions, Tailor-made tours for individuals, couples, families, or parish groups

If there’s a special tour or pilgrimage tied to a destination close to your heart, let us know — we’ll create a meaningful journey crafted just for you. Contact us to get a quotation for your personalised tour request.

Work With Us as a Tour Guide in Brittany

We’re looking for passionate and licensed tour guides to join us in sharing the faith, history, and beauty of Sainte-Anne-d’Auray. Guide visitors through the Basilica of Saint Anne, chapels, and pilgrimage paths, and help them experience the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Brittany.

Whether you lead guests along the sacred routes, explain the history of the shrine, or highlight local devotional traditions, your expertise will make their visit unforgettable.

Partner with Us

We’re always looking to collaborate with travel agencies, pilgrimage organizers, and Catholic organizations to bring faith-based tours to more pilgrims. Partner with us to offer authentic Catholic pilgrimage experiences, expand your offerings, and deliver unforgettable journeys to sacred sites.

Brittany:Shrine of Saint Anne