Paray-le-Monial:
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Paray-le-Monial : Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Step into the spiritual heart of Paray-le-Monial on this immersive walking tour, where faith, history, and devotion converge. Explore the life and legacy of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, the visionary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and discover the churches, chapels, and historic sites that celebrate her enduring influence. Whether you are on pilgrimage or simply exploring the rich heritage of this charming town, this tour will leave you inspired and spiritually enriched.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, where Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque received her visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
- Experience the chapels and devotional sites associated with her life, including spaces that preserve relics and symbols of her profound spiritual legacy.
- Learn about the devotion to the Sacred Heart, inspired by her revelations, and how it has been celebrated worldwide.
- Stroll the historic streets of Paray-le-Monial, rich in medieval charm, religious heritage, and cultural significance.
- Pause at local landmarks and viewpoints, taking in the serene beauty of the Bourbonnais countryside surrounding the town.
- Conclude with a moment of prayer and reflection in the basilica, leaving with a deeper understanding of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s life, devotion, and enduring impact on Christian faith.
More Information
Duration : 2 Hours
Language : 
English | 
French | 
Spanish | 
German | 
Italian | 
Portuguese | 
Polish
Tour Inclusions: Experienced tour guide, entrance to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, small group experience
Tour Exclusions: Personal expenses, hotel pickup, food and drinks, transportation to/from Paray-le-Monial, optional donations, additional entrance fees
Distance: Approximately 1.5 km
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Meeting Point: Please arrive 10 minutes early at the main entrance of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, Paray-le-Monial). Your guide will meet you at the main doors. [See Google Map]
Paray-le-Monial : Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Step into the spiritual heart of Paray-le-Monial on this immersive walking tour, where faith, history, and devotion come alive. Your journey begins at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, where Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque received her visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Learn about her life, courage, and enduring influence on Christian devotion.
Next, visit the chapels and sacred sites associated with her life, including spaces preserving relics and symbols of her spiritual legacy. Discover how her revelations inspired the worldwide devotion to the Sacred Heart, and understand the profound historical and religious significance of these events.
Continue your exploration through the medieval streets of Paray-le-Monial, where centuries of religious and cultural history come alive. Pause at landmarks and viewpoints that showcase the charm and serenity of the Bourbonnais region, offering moments for reflection and spiritual connection.
Along the way, hear the stories of the faithful whose lives have been touched by the devotion to the Sacred Heart. Conclude your tour back at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, leaving you with a deeper understanding of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, her miraculous revelations, and the lasting impact of her devotion on Christian faith.
Paray-le-Monial : Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Nestled in the heart of the Burgundy region of France, Paray-le-Monial is a historic town renowned for its spiritual heritage and medieval charm. Pilgrims and visitors are drawn not only by its picturesque streets and Romanesque architecture but also by its deep connection to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, the visionary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Key sites to explore include the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, where she received her revelations; the chapels and devotional spaces honoring her visions; and the historic town center, which reflects centuries of faith, culture, and pilgrimage.
The Sacred Heart Revelations
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s visions in the 17th century revealed the love and mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. These revelations inspired the devotion to the Sacred Heart, celebrated worldwide and observed in parishes across the globe. Pilgrims visiting Paray-le-Monial can experience the basilica and chapels that preserve the memory of her life, her messages, and her enduring spiritual legacy.
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Born in 1647, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque devoted her life to Christ, enduring trials and living a life of prayer, humility, and devotion. Her experiences and visions in Paray-le-Monial profoundly influenced Catholic spirituality, inspiring generations to embrace the Sacred Heart devotion. The sites she frequented, including her rooms and the basilica, remain pilgrimage destinations for those seeking reflection, prayer, and inspiration.
Pilgrimage and Spiritual Journey
Paray-le-Monial lies along historic pilgrimage routes in Burgundy, offering visitors a tranquil and spiritually enriching experience. Pilgrims and tourists alike walk the streets where faith, history, and devotion intertwine, reflecting on the life of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque and the power of the Sacred Heart devotion. Today, the town continues to welcome modern pilgrims, providing a living connection between faith, history, and personal spiritual journeys.
- 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 Paray-le-Monial
Discover the easiest ways to reach, stay, and enjoy Paray-le-Monial — a historic French town rich in faith, history, and spiritual charm. Travel times are approximate and may vary with schedules and traffic.
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 arrival, take advantage of Meet & Assist services at major airports such as Lyon-Saint Exupéry, Paris Charles de Gaulle, or Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne. A dedicated assistant will greet you, help with luggage, check-in, and security, ensuring a stress-free start or end to your trip.
By Air
Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) – ~200 km
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – ~350 km
Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne (CFE) – ~90 km
Approx. 1.5–4 hours by car or taxi. From airports, rent a car or take a train to Paray-le-Monial.
Find the Best Flights – Book your flights with Expedia
By Train
Nearest Station: Paray-le-Monial Station
From Paris: ~3–4 hours (with transfer at Dijon)
From Lyon: ~1.5–2 hours
Find the Best Trains – Book your Trains with Omio
By Car
Drive along scenic highways connecting Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, and Dijon.
From Lyon: ~200 km (~2 hours 30 minutes)
From Clermont-Ferrand: ~90 km (~1 hour 30 minutes)
Free and paid parking available near the basilica and town center.
Find the Best Rent a Car – Rent your car with Centauto
By Bus
Regional buses connect Paray-le-Monial with nearby towns like Mâcon, Chalon-sur-Saône, and Cluny. Check schedules before traveling.
Find the Best Buses – Book your Buses with Omio
By Taxi / Private Transfer
Enjoy a direct, comfortable ride from airports or nearby cities. Ideal for small groups or travelers with luggage.
Private Transfers – Book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups
On Foot / Locally
Paray-le-Monial is a small, walkable town. All major attractions — the Basilica of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, historic streets, and devotional sites — are easily reached on foot.
Where to Stay in Paray-le-Monial
Choose accommodations within walking distance of the basilica or historic 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
Find the Best Local Stays – Book your unique local stays with Homestay 
Experiences & Activities
Explore spiritual and cultural treasures nearby, or extend your journey through Burgundy and surrounding regions.
Book Tours & Activities
Find the Best Tours & Activities
Find tours & day trips on GetYourGuide
Explore cultural & religious tours on Viator
Travel Essentials
Prepare for your visit with comfortable walking shoes, local maps, and travel necessities.
Find the Best Travel Essentials
Find your travel accessories on Amazon
Find your Travel Insurance on Safty Wings
Find your local luggage storage on LuggageHero
Religious & Devotional Items
If you cannot visit Paray-le-Monial in person, bring home a piece of its faith and history. Explore authentic Catholic devotional items inspired by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque and the devotion to the Sacred Heart.
Find the Best Religious & Devotional Items
Find your Religious & Devotional Items on Amazon
Note:
All times, prices, and details are approximate and may change depending on schedules, seasons, or providers. Always check current travel information before booking.
Travel Tip
Combine train + local taxi or rental car for the smoothest arrival — a perfect blend of comfort and flexibility.
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.
You may also be interested in
- List also other tours near the tour location ( Orvieto, Rome…etc )
Work With Us as a Tour Guide in Paray-le-Monial
We’re looking for licensed tour guides to help visitors explore the spiritual and historical treasures of Paray-le-Monial, home of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque and the Sacred Heart devotion. Share the stories, faith, and beauty of this sacred town, guiding guests through the Basilica of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, local chapels, and other devotional sites.
If you are passionate about history, spirituality, and providing meaningful experiences, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us.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.