Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette

Visit Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette, Rhone-Alpes

Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette (in the commune of La Savalette-Fallavaux and near the village of Corps) is an important church and pilgrimage destination to the south of the Isere department in the Rhone-Alps and about 40 kilometres north of the town of Gap.

The history

The second most important pilgrimage destination in France, it was here on the 19 September 1846 that an apparition of the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in tears to two local shepherd children and spoken to them at some length.

A lengthy inquest by the church authorities came to the conclusion that the account they gave was consistent and as accurate as expected of two children (aged 14 and 11), and deemed that the events really had taken place.

After various controversies and claimed retractions by one of the children had been set aside, construction of the Church at Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette began in 1852 and was completed in 1865.

The church and grounds

Whether you are visiting as a pilgrim or a tourist , the substantial church stands in a splendid setting in the mountains, and is an impressive site to visit (the church itself is not the most architecturally interesting but the surrounding landscape more than compensates).

You will also see various related statues representing the apparition, including a 19th century recreation of the apparition with bronze statues.

Other information

There is an audio-visual display run twice each day that explains the history of La Salette, and masses and meetings with pilgrims are also held. It is possible for pilgrims, both individuals and groups, to stay at the sanctuary - you will need to reserve in advance. See ceremony times, reservation details and prices at La Salette.

Note: the movement gained many followers and now there are several Churches called Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette around the world, and a village in Quebec (Canada) of the same name, established by French pilgrims at the beginning of the 20th century.

See Rhone-Alpes and Isere (the region and department for Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: La Grave 38km; Grenoble 45km; L'Argentiere-la-Bessee 48km;

Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Poligny - town of art and history (16km) : Domaine de Charance - remarkable garden (28km) : Parc du château de Vizille - remarkable garden (32km) : La Meije - site of natural beauty (35km) : Cirque d'Archiane - site of natural beauty (36km) : Jardin alpin du Lautaret - remarkable garden (40km) : Vercors - regional natural parc (42km) : Lac de Serre-Poncon - site of natural beauty (46km) :

See more places and a map at places near Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette