Noirétable:
Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage
Noirétable : Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage
Step into the sacred heart of Noirétable, home to the revered Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage, one of France’s most peaceful and spiritually significant Marian sites. This contemplative walking experience invites pilgrims and visitors to discover a place where faith, silence, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.
Nestled in the forested hills of the Loire region, Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage has drawn pilgrims for centuries who come seeking prayer, healing, and inner renewal. As you explore the sanctuary and its tranquil surroundings, learn about its Marian devotion, centuries-old traditions, and the deep spiritual meaning it holds for local and international pilgrims alike.
Whether you are on a Marian pilgrimage, a spiritual retreat, or simply exploring France’s hidden sacred places, this visit to Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage in Noirétable offers a moment of peace, reflection, and inspiration that lingers long after you leave.
Tour Highlights
Visit the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage, a centuries-old Marian shrine nestled in the peaceful forests of Noirétable.
Discover the history and devotion to the Virgin Mary, learning how this sacred site became a place of prayer, healing, and pilgrimage in France.
Spend time in the sanctuary chapel, a quiet space for reflection, personal prayer, and spiritual renewal.
Walk the tranquil woodland paths surrounding the shrine, traditionally used by pilgrims for meditation and contemplation.
Learn about the miracles, votive offerings, and testimonies of faith associated with Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage through the centuries.
Experience the silence and natural beauty of the Loire region, where faith and nature are deeply intertwined.
Conclude your visit with a moment of prayer and gratitude, leaving with a renewed sense of peace and inspiration.
More Information
Duration : 2 Hours
Language : 
English | 
French | 
Spanish | 
German | 
Italian | 
Portuguese | 
Polish
Tour Inclusions :
Experienced tour guide
Entrance to Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage
Small group experience
Tour Exclusions :
Personal expenses
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Transportation to/from Noirétable
Optional donations
Entrance fees (if applicable for special areas)
Distance : Approximately 1.5 km walking
Accessibility : Not wheelchair accessible (uneven paths and steps)
Meeting Point : Please arrive 10 minutes early in front of the main entrance of Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage, Noirétable. Your guide will meet you directly at the entrance of the sanctuary. A Google Maps location will be provided after booking.
Noirétable : Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage
Step into a place of deep peace and devotion with a guided visit to Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage in Noirétable, one of France’s most beloved Marian pilgrimage sites. Surrounded by forested hills in the Montagne Bourbonnaise, this sanctuary offers a unique blend of history, faith, and natural beauty.
Your journey begins at the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage, a site of Marian apparitions dating back to the Middle Ages. Learn the story of the shepherd who encountered the Virgin Mary and how this sacred event led to the foundation of the sanctuary, drawing pilgrims from across the region for centuries. Your guide will explain the spiritual importance of the shrine and its role in French Marian devotion.
Inside the chapel, admire the serene altar, votive offerings, and devotional artwork that testify to countless prayers, healings, and acts of gratitude. Experience the quiet atmosphere that invites reflection, prayer, and personal connection with faith.
Continue your walk through the peaceful forest paths surrounding the sanctuary, traditionally used by pilgrims for meditation and processions. These natural surroundings enhance the spiritual experience, offering moments of silence and contemplation away from modern life.
Along the way, discover local legends and traditions linked to Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage, including stories of protection, healing, and unwavering devotion passed down through generations. Your guide will share how the sanctuary continues to be a place of pilgrimage, especially during Marian feast days.
The tour concludes at the sanctuary, allowing time for personal prayer, reflection, or quiet appreciation of the sacred landscape. Leave Noirétable with a deeper understanding of its Marian heritage and a sense of spiritual renewal inspired by this timeless place of faith.
Noirétable : Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage
Nestled in the forested hills of the Montagne Bourbonnaise in central France, the village of Noirétable is home to one of the region’s most cherished Marian sanctuaries: Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage. Surrounded by nature and silence, this sacred site has drawn pilgrims, walkers, and seekers of peace for centuries. Its remote setting, spiritual legacy, and enduring devotion make Noirétable a place where faith and tranquility meet.
The Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage stands at the heart of this devotion. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared here in the Middle Ages to a shepherd, marking the site as holy and inspiring the construction of the first chapel. Over time, the sanctuary grew into a significant pilgrimage destination, attracting the faithful who came to pray, seek healing, and give thanks. Today, the church remains a symbol of Marian protection and regional spiritual identity.
Inside the sanctuary, visitors encounter a serene atmosphere marked by devotional statues, votive offerings, and a simple yet powerful altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary. These elements bear witness to generations of prayer, gratitude, and hope. The surrounding grounds, shaded by ancient trees, invite quiet reflection and contemplation, reinforcing the sanctuary’s role as a refuge from the noise of everyday life.
The Marian Devotion of Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage
The spiritual importance of Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage lies in its long-standing Marian devotion. Pilgrims have come here for centuries to entrust their intentions to the Virgin Mary, particularly seeking protection, healing, and guidance. Annual pilgrimages and Marian feast days continue to draw worshippers from across the region, keeping this centuries-old tradition alive.
Local legends speak of answered prayers and graces received through devotion to Our Lady of the Hermitage. These stories, passed down through generations, have shaped the sanctuary’s reputation as a place of quiet miracles and deep personal faith. The simplicity of the site, combined with its natural surroundings, enhances its spiritual power and timeless appeal.
Pilgrimage, Nature, and the Path of Reflection
Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage is closely linked to the tradition of pilgrimage and walking prayer. Forest paths surrounding the sanctuary have long been used by pilgrims for meditation and processions, offering a natural extension of the spiritual journey. These peaceful trails provide an opportunity to reflect, pray, and reconnect with nature while following in the footsteps of countless believers before you.
Today, visitors continue this tradition—whether as pilgrims, hikers, or travelers seeking spiritual enrichment. A visit to Noirétable offers more than historical discovery; it provides a moment of renewal for the soul. In the calm of the sanctuary and the stillness of the surrounding forest, faith, history, and nature come together in a deeply meaningful experience.
Whether you visit for prayer, reflection, or cultural discovery, Noirétable and Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage invite you to experience a living tradition of Marian devotion and timeless spiritual peace.
- 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.
- 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.
Plan Your Visit to Noirétable
Plan a peaceful and meaningful journey to Noirétable, home to the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage, a place of Marian devotion nestled in the serene forests of the Loire department in central France. This spiritual destination is ideal for pilgrims, retreat seekers, and travelers looking to combine faith, nature, and French heritage.
Travel times are approximate and may vary depending on schedules, traffic, and seasonal conditions.
Affiliate Disclosure
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 and stress-free arrival or departure, Airport Meet & Assist services are available at major nearby airports, including Lyon Saint-Exupéry, Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne, and Saint-Étienne–Bouthéon.
A dedicated airport assistant can help with luggage, check-in, security procedures, and airport navigation.
Please note: this service is provided within the airport only and does not include ground transportation.
This service is especially helpful for first-time visitors to France, elderly travelers, or pilgrims seeking a calm and supported journey.
By Air
Nearest Airports
Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS) – ~120 km
Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne (CFE) – ~85 km
Saint-Étienne–Bouthéon (EBU) – ~70 km
Approx. 1.5–2.5 hours by car, depending on the airport.
From the airport, continue by rental car, train + taxi, or private transfer to reach Noirétable and the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage.
Find the Best Flights – Book your flights with Expedia
By Train
Nearest Train Stations
Noirétable
Boën-sur-Lignon
Thiers
From Lyon Part-Dieu: ~2–2.5 hours
From Clermont-Ferrand: ~1.5–2 hours
From the station, a local taxi or short drive is recommended to reach the sanctuary, which is located in a wooded area outside the village center.
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By Car
Driving is one of the most convenient ways to reach Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage, especially for pilgrims and families.
From Lyon: ~120 km (≈2 hours)
From Clermont-Ferrand: ~85 km (≈1.5 hours)
From Saint-Étienne: ~70 km (≈1.5 hours)
The sanctuary is surrounded by nature, with free parking available nearby, making car travel ideal for a quiet and flexible visit.
Find the Best Rent a Car – Rent your car with Centauto
By Bus
Regional buses connect Noirétable with nearby towns and railway hubs such as Boën-sur-Lignon and Thiers.
Bus schedules may be limited, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Always check local timetables before travelling.
Find the Best Buses – Book your Buses with Omio
By Taxi / Private Transfer
A private taxi or transfer is the most comfortable option from airports or train stations, particularly if you are traveling with luggage or in a group.
Private Transfers – Book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups
On Foot / Locally
The Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage is set in a peaceful natural environment, ideal for prayer, reflection, and short walks.
Local paths and forest trails invite visitors to slow down and experience the spiritual atmosphere of the site.
Where to Stay in Noirétable
Choose accommodation close to the village center or within driving distance of the sanctuary. Options include family-run guesthouses, small hotels, and quiet countryside stays ideal for pilgrims and retreat visitors.
Hotels & B&Bs| 
Unique Local Stays
Find the Best Hotels – Book your Hotels with Expedia or Agoda
Find the Best Local Stays – Book your unique local stays with Homestay 
Experiences & Activities
Enhance your visit by exploring the spiritual and cultural richness of the Loire and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions.
Quiet prayer and pilgrimage at Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage
Nature walks and forest meditation
Visits to nearby historic villages and churches
Extend your journey toward Le Puy-en-Velay, Thiers, or the Forez mountains
Book Tours & Activities
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Travel Essentials
Be prepared for your journey and stay, especially when visiting sacred and rural locations.
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Religious & Devotional Items
If you cannot visit Noirétable in person, you can still bring a piece of its Marian devotion into your home.
Discover authentic Catholic devotional items inspired by Our Lady, pilgrimage traditions, and sacred sites of France.
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Note:
All times, prices, and details are approximate and may change due to schedules, seasons, or service providers. Always verify current travel information before booking.
Travel Tip
For the smoothest journey, combine train travel to a nearby station with a local taxi or rental car — offering both comfort and flexibility when visiting Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage in Noirétable.
Affiliate Disclosure
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.
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.
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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.